“The 16-foot sawfish . is the longest measured by scientists since research began on the species,” researchers reported.
“There was no obvious cause of death for either sawfish. However, valuable life history information was and will continue to be collected from both carcasses,” officials said. “Sawfish biologists are working to learn as much as possible from samples they collected.”
The 16-foot sawfish was found “with eggs the size of softballs found in her reproductive tract,” Live Science reported.
Smalltooth sawfish are known to grow to no more than 16 feet, according to NOAA Fisheries. However, Florida wildlife officials say they may potentially reach 18 feet.The species is known for “a long, flat snout edged with teeth that looks like a saw,” NOAA reports.
16-foot sawfish that washed up in the Florida Keys is the largest ever recorded
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Longest sawfish ever washes ashore in Florida Keys
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Apr 12, 2021 08:17 AM EDT
The largest sawfish scientists ever measured was discovered dead in the Florida Keys last week.The 16-foot-long sharp-snouted fish which is about 4.9 meters long was an adult female with eggs that has the size of softballs discovered in her reproductive tract.
(Photo : Getty Images)
The Unfortunate Incident
Scientists are now studying her carcass to determine her age and to learn more about her reproductive past. Gregg Poulakis, a fish biologist at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said: Although it s an unfortunate incident when an enormous animal like that dies, from a scientific standpoint we are aware we could get some knowledge from it, that makes us feel a little bit better about losing such a big female.
Authorities are investigating the death of an 11-foot female sawfish, weighing between 400 and 500 pounds, found dead Tuesday.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers have taken the carcass of the critically endangered species to a lab in Port Charlotte, where it will be studied by scientists, according to FWC spokesman Bobby Dube.
Monroe County Sheriffâs Office Lower Keys Marine Deputy Ed Swogger assisted the FWC officers when callers reported finding the protected fish near Marvin Key at approximately 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Sheriffâs Office spokesman Adam Linhardt said.
The fish was loaded onto a Sheriffâs Office patrol vessel and was later transported by the FWC to a lab in Port Charlotte for study.