AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN CRInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Critically Endangered — faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the near future.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Pristis pristis
Largetooth Sawfish
(Linnaeus, 1758)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A large, ray-like fish with a long, flattened rostrum lined with large, distinct teeth. Greyish-brown dorsal coloration with a paler underside.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Chondrichthyes
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Pristiformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Pristidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Pristis
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Linnaeus, 1758)
Record Completeness
95%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and river mouths; uniquely capable of entering and living in freshwater environments.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Slow-moving, generally bottom-dwelling, and highly dependent on mangrove-lined coastal nurseries during their juvenile stage.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Mainly solitary, though juveniles may aggregate in shallow nursery areas.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Benthic/demersal predator.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Predator of small schooling fishes, crustaceans, and other benthic organisms.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Viviparous, with the saw fully developed but covered in a membrane at birth to protect the mother during delivery.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
200.0 - 600.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
50.00 kg - 600.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.5 - 12
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
8 - 10 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
4 - 6
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males20 - 30 Years
Females25 - 35 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
The rostrum is a sensory organ equipped with ampullae of Lorenzini to detect prey in murky water and serves as a weapon for hunting.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Critically endangered due to entanglement in fishing nets (bycatch), habitat loss, and illegal trade in their saws.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Sawfish are known to use their rostrum to slash at schools of fish to stun or injure them before consuming them.