Smalltooth sawfish
Pristis pectinata ( cub )
Pristis pectinata is a species in the family of sawfish. The fish live zirkumglobal in most subtropical and tropical waters between 44 ° N and 37 ° S near the coast or in estuaries. Evidence of the way there from the North Carolina Coast, Bermuda, the Caribbean and the northern Gulf of Mexico to Argentina. In the eastern Atlantic it comes from Gibraltar to Namibia, in the Indo-Pacific from East Africa to the Philippines. He also lives in the Red Sea. Occurrence in the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Pacific are possible.
Features
Like all sawfish Pristis pectinata has a haiartigen body with a flattened front body and head. The animals usually reach a length of up to 5.5 meters. The highest reported dimensions are 7.6 meters in length and a weight of 350 kg. The muzzle is long, flat and sword-shaped makes up about a quarter of the total length of. It is open to the almost entire length of 24 to 34 teeth per narrow side approximately equal intervals, which have on the rear side of a furrow. The two dorsal fins are large and pointed, and both about the same size. The pectoral fins have a broad base and a straight trailing edge. The pelvic fins set at the same height as the front dorsal fin. The caudal fin has a nearly straight posterior margin without distinct lower lobe. The animals are mouse gray to dark brown with paler fins on the back side. The belly is white, off white or pale yellow.
Way of life
The fish live near the coast in shallow waters, but can swim deeper marine areas to achieve Islands. You walk sometimes in rivers and tolerate fresh water. Pristis pectinata feeds on smaller fish, crustaceans and shellfish. Often they use their sword to stir or to kill prey fish water bottom in search of food. Pristis pectinata is like all sawfish ovoviviparous.