There are seven species of sawfish world-wide. These are described briefly below. Some species are very similar and research currently underway may show that the total number is actually less.

There are two genera:

1. Pristis - 6 species (Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans)

2. Anoxypristis - 1 species (Indo-West Pacific Ocean)

The genus Pristis

This genus has six currently recognized species that can be divided into two groups of similar species:

1. The "pristis" group

Pristis pristis (common sawfish) - NW Africa and Mediterranean. Extremely rare. IUCN Red List as Critically Endangered.

Pristis perotteti (largetooth sawfish) - Atlantic and eastern Pacific. IUCN Red List as Endangered.

Pristis microdon (freshwater sawfish - Indo-West Pacific, including northern Australia. IUCN Red List as Endangered.

This group is characterized by a broad tapering rostrum with a small number of teeth (15-20 per side) and a "preference" for freshwater. The status of each of these species remains to be resolved, and the group may prove to be mono-specific.

2. The "pectinata" group

Pristis pectinata (smalltooth sawfish) - Atlantic, Indian and western Pacific. IUCN Red list as Endagered.

Pristis clavata (dwarf sawfish) - Tropical Australia. IUCN Red List as Vulnerable.

Pristis zijsron (green sawfish) - Indo-West Pacific. IUCN Red List as Endangered.

This group is characterized by a non-tapering rostrum, with many teeth (22-32 per side), and a reduced preference for freshwater (although they can still tolerate freshwater for extended periods). The destinction between these species are relatively well defined and these species should remain valid.

The smalltooth sawfish, Pristis pectinata.

The genus Anoxypristis

This mono-specific genus contains the species Anoxypristis cuspidata (narrow sawfish). This species has a narrow saw, and more flattened and triangular teeth on the rostrum. The rostral teeth are absent from the posterior quarter of the saw.