Dwarf Sawfish

The dwarf sawfish (Pristis clavata), also known as the Queensland sawfish, holds the title of the smallest member of the sawfish family. Despite the name, it still reaches impressive lengths of up to 3.1 meters (about 10 feet) as an adult.

This species is primarily found in the shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and rivers of northern Australia and southern New Guinea. It is notably prevalent in the Gulf of Carpentaria and the Northern Territory of Australia.

The dwarf sawfish uses its long, toothed rostrum (saw) to sense the electrical fields of hidden prey in the murky, muddy waters it inhabits. It also uses this snout to swipe through schools of fish, stunning them before eating them.

Despite their intimidating appearance, dwarf sawfish are generally harmless to humans unless heavily provoked. Because of their endangered status and protected habitats in Australian waters, humans are actually more of a threat to them than they are to us.