Smalltooth sawfish in Florida
Meet the species
Scientific name
Pristis pectinata
Overview
Small juvenile smalltooth sawfish use different habitats than large juveniles and adults. Small juveniles inhabit shallow coastal areas in estuaries, river mouths, and bays year-round (poulakis et al. 2011). They have been recorded from a variety of habitat types including unvegetated mud and sand bottoms, especially along red mangrove shorelines, which are considered “critical habitat” (norton et al. 2012). Also, small juveniles use creeks and canals that connect to the main stem of rivers (poulakis et al. 2011, 2016). Small juveniles typically inhabit salinities between 18 and 30 parts per thousand (PPT) (the ocean is 35), sometimes far up rivers (simpfendorfer et al. 2011; poulakis et al. 2013). Adults are typically found in open water habitats from the shallows to depths of several hundred feet (up to 122 meters) (seitz and poulakis 2002; poulakis and seitz 2004; graham et al. 2021), but have been encountered near coral reefs and occur inshore during the spring when females give bi
At a glance
- Regions
- Southeast, inland south
- Water
- Saltwater
When to fish
Season notes
Months mentioned in profile narrative (not a fishing calendar): apr, may no recreational fishing season calendar, non-game, imperiled, nonnative & or non-angling taxon.
Where to fish
Florida regions
Southeast & inland south
Water
Saltwater
Habitat
Small juvenile smalltooth sawfish use different habitats than large juveniles and adults. Small juveniles inhabit shallow coastal areas in estuaries, river mouths, and bays year-round (poulakis et al. 2011). They have been recorded from a variety of habitat types including unvegetated mud and sand bottoms, especially along red mangrove shorelines, which are considered “critical habitat” (norton et al. 2012). Also, small juveniles use creeks and canals that connect to the main stem of rivers (poulakis et al. 2011, 2016). Small juveniles typically inhabit salinities between 18 and 30 parts per thousand (PPT) (the ocean is 35), sometimes far up rivers (simpfendorfer et al. 2011; poulakis et al. 2013). Adults are typically found in open water habitats from the shallows to depths of several hundred feet (up to 122 meters) (seitz and poulakis 2002; poulakis and seitz 2004; graham et al. 2021), but have been encountered near coral reefs and occur inshore during the spring when females give bi
Videos
Sources
- Myfwc.com
Information comes from the supplied source datasets. Check linked FWC regulations for current rules.