Have you ever wondered about the life cycle of sawfish? 🔄
Here is a simplified diagram of different stages of their development. The light blue represents embryonic (inside) development while the dark blue is showing growth outside of the mother.
📏Measurements are the size of the specimen from the end of the saw to the tip of the tail, giving you an idea of how small they start out. Some species can eventually grow up to 7m in length!
Some aspects of reproduction vary with the different species of sawfish, this is just a general overview.
🔬Figures 1-4 are preserved scientific specimens acquired from M. Oetinger’s paper listed below.
“Life history of the Critically Endangered largetooth sawfish: a compilation of data for population assessment and demographic modelling”
DOI: 10.3354/esr01090
#sawfish #lifecycle #reproduction #criticallyendangered #pup
Expanding the Horizon: An Update for RFSE × SARA Applicants 📣
We are thrilled to announce that we are broadening the application criteria for our upcoming expeditions. Our goal is to foster a diverse community of marine enthusiasts and professionals, so we have opened our doors to:
✅ Current Students
✅ Recent Graduates
✅ Emerging Researchers
✅ Career Re-starters returning to the science field
Join us for an immersive experience at the Neptune Islands focused on career-building skills, professional networking, and iconic shark encounters. 🦈
Available Dates: 📅
7th – 10th December 2026
11th – 14th December 2026
15th – 18th December 2026
Limited availability remains. Take the next step in your marine career today. 🌊
🔗 Full details and applications: www.saw.fish/rfse
#rodneyfoxsharkexpeditions #neptuneisland #marinelife #whiteshark #marinebiology #expedition #marinescience #marinebiology #researcher #marineopportunities #marinenetworking #sharksandraysaustralia #graduates
Plenty of smiles, many laughs and unforgettable moments!😁
That's what all our field trips are like, all whilst collecting vital information on some of the planet's most endangered species of sharks, rays and sawfish.🦈
This field trip was our final sawfish survey for 2024 and took place on Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park in collaboration with Rinyirru Lakefield Aboriginal Corporation, Laura rangers, South Cape York Catchments.
Who wouldn't want to be a part of a fun and rewarding experience like this?! Find out more information on how you can join one of our expeditions at: /expeditions/
Video credit: Filmed by Anna Marie-Harding, on behalf of Sound Off Films and Save Our Seas Foundation 🎥 #Endangered #Sawfish #fieldwork #volunteer #Queensland #sosf #saveourseas #australia #sharks #rays #QldParks
@QldParks
Save Our Seas Foundation
@saveourseasfoundation
Sawfish hold not only vital ecological significance in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems, but also deep cultural importance for many coastal and Indigenous communities at a global scale.
We highly recomend reading Ruth Leeneys article ‘Sawfish in Traditional Tales’ featuring insight into Anindilyakwa peoples of Groote Eylandt, Australia.
Read here via the link: /sawfishes-in-traditional-tales/
Genetics and conservation: Protecting wedgefishes in the Southwest Indian Ocean.
Two critically endangered species (bottlenose and whitespotted wedgefish) were studied using a dual genetic approach.
This study, led by Mia J. Groeneveld et al., highlights how genetics can be used to protect these species.
It identifies priority areas for conservation and supports monitoring efforts against illegal fin trade.
To learn more, check out the full paper at: /10.3354/esr01311
#wedgefish #genetics #fintrade
We are so proud of our founder, director, and principal scientist, Dr. Barbara Wueringer, for her Plenary session this week at @sharks.international ! Being a keynote speaker at the world’s largest international shark, ray, and chimera scientific conference is a monumental achievement.
Share your congratulations in the comments! 👏🦈🎊
@sharks.international attendees!
Come and check out @sharksandscience poster again today at 5pm-6pm today!
We can’t wait to talk sawfish with you! #sharksinternational #sawfish
Ever wonder who’s working behind the scenes at Sharks And Rays Australia? 🦈
A lot of our magic happens that you see across social media thanks to our amazing team of interns! 📱
Check out today’s post to meet one of our crew creating our content and stay tuned, there’s plenty more to come over the next few months! 🌊
#Intern #Sharks #Australia #meettheteam
Have you ever seen a cooler eDNA field kit? 🧬
In October 2024, with funding from the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, we were able to collect eDNA samples. Environmental DNA is a highly effective method for detecting species presence, in our case, a sawfish species. Samples of soil and water were taken using this kit.
Want to learn more about how we analysed these samples? 🔬
Samples > DNA extraction > Inhibition tests > qPCR > Data analysis
Read this article written by our intern Christina Nardini: /edna-processing/
#eDNA #sawfish #queensland
@greatbarrierreeffoundation
❔ Why do we share our passion for Sawfish?
Is it their saw that they use to detect prey?
Their fascinating biology?
Or simply because we believe that education and knowledge sharing are the key to conservation?
All of the above (and more!). 💙
Sharks And Rays Australia are deeply grateful to the Coen community, the Yintingga Aboriginal Corporation, and the Lama Lama Land Trust for welcoming us in July 2023.
Our time together was a true exchange of knowledge; while we shared insights on sawfish biology, we gained invaluable perspectives from the community’s deep connection to the land and water.
We believe conservation thrives when we learn from each other. The proof is in the next generation: the Coen community children are already experts in the making; they even know how to tag a Sawfish!
Thanks again to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and Queensland Engaging Science grant for making this work possible and supporting sawfish conservation.
Great Barrier Reef Foundation Yintjingga Aboriginal Corporation
#sawfish #education #Queensland
Did you know sawfish are born with their rostrums aka “saws” already developed?
If you’re curious about how sawfish give birth, tune in as our Social Media Manager, Beth, explains that and more!
#sawfish #sawfishreproduction #rostrum #sawfishbirth
