And, the smalltooth is no ordinary fish. In fact, the very appendage that makes the fish fierce also puts it at risk. Va. While fishing for the smalltooth sawfish is not legal, the fish is easily snared by gillnetting and trawling intended for other fish species and shrimp. Even if a fisherman releases the fish, the animal is often fatally injured during the awkward entangling process. Sawfish also live in more unstable regions of the ocean.
Populations spend much of their time nestled in the muddy floor of shallow ocean waters.
Because they're near shore, they become more vulnerable to human disruptions such as dredging, sea walls and oceanside development. Scientists believe the long-snouted fish's slow reproduction rate is another factor behind its decline. These fish grow slowly and mature late so they can't quickly replenish their numbers. Female sawfish give birth to 10-15 live young and special features protect the mother from possible sharp encounters. After emerging from the womb, the bills of the sawfish unfold and lose their coverings.