The Sawfish: Weird, Rare & Deadly
Sawfish In Culture
Some sawfishes live solely in the oceans, whereas some can make the transition into brackish or even fresh water (euryhaline). In general they hang out in relatively shallow, muddy water and stick close to the bottom. They are nocturnal and despite their appearance never attack humans unless provoked or surprised.
Many cultures that live in the same areas as sawfish have worked them into their myths and legends. Many Australian Aboriginal societies believe that the sawfish created rivers by gouging out the land.
The Kuna, native to the Caribbean, believe that sawfish protect humans, and help them to fight off dangerous sea critters, such as sharks or whales, or rescue people from drowning.
Native tribes in Panama think of sawfish as powerful and supernatural beings. Shaman would use their body parts for rituals. Tribes in Papua New Guinea believe that the sawfish spirits “will punish people who break fishing taboos by unleashing destructive rainstorms”.
Long live the sawfish.
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