Britannica Sources used in this answer

How does a sawfish use the teeth along its snout to catch prey?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

A labeled cross section illustration of an adult human molar shows the tooth's crown and root, with layers including enamel, dentin, and pulp, as well as gum, cementum, blood vessels, periodontal ligament, lateral canals, and nerve. — tooth Cross section of an adult human molar.

Sawfishes use their elongated, flattened snouts—known as a rostrum or "saw"—as a specialized tool for feeding. The edges of this blade are lined with strong, sharp teeth that the sawfish utilizes to catch prey through several methods.12

When hunting, the sawfish lashes its saw from side to side to stun, impale, or cut schooling fishes. In addition to these offensive strikes, the saw is used to dig out animals from the bottom of their habitat.12

The saw also functions as a sophisticated sensory organ. It contains electroreceptors called ampullae of Lorenzini, which allow the sawfish to detect the minute electrical potentials generated by the muscle contractions of nearby prey, helping the animal locate food even in murky water.12