Smalltooth Sawfish Reproduction

For years, one of the biggest mysteries surrounding smalltooth sawfish was where they reproduce. After nearly two decades of research, scientists recently identified a potential mating ground in the shallow backcountry waters of Everglades National Park. During this study, researchers observed adult sawfish with distinctive injuries consistent with mating behavior and confirmed that females were preparing for pregnancy. This discovery is important because it shows that habitats once thought to be used mainly by juveniles may also play a role in reproduction. Findings like this highlight how little is still known about this species and why protecting interconnected coastal habitats is critical for their survival.

​

(Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory, 2017)