256 Common Sawfish 



Family: Mobulidae (Devil Rays) 

 Mobula hypostoma — lesser devil ray 

 Mania biros tris — giant devil ray 



Common Sawfish 

 Pristis pectinatus Latham 



Color: Upper portion of body dark gray to black-brown; 

 light yellow, white, or gray-white below. 

 Distribution: Tropical and subtropical waters on both sides 

 of the Atlantic and in the eastern Mediterranean. In the 

 western Atlantic, commonly found from Brazil to north- 

 ern Florida. A summer visitor to the north as far as New 

 York. 



Size: Maximum size over 18 feet. A specimen about 16 

 feet long weighed 700 pounds. 



General Information: The Common Sawfish almost always 

 occurs near land, in a few feet of water, often in bays and 

 estuaries. It is found in brackish as well as salt water and 

 will ascend rivers into fresh water. Observations in Texas 

 indicate that at least in this locality birth takes place from 

 late spring through autumn. The young are about 2 feet at 

 birth. From 15 to 20 young are carried by a gravid female. 

 Economic Importance: None. A nuisance to the commer- 

 cial fishermen in southern waters, often becoming en- 

 tangled in their nets. 



