What is laughing sawfish?

The laughing sawfish, also known as the smalltooth sawfish, is a species of ray that is found in shallow, warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. It gets its name from the "laughing" sound it makes while breathing, which is caused by water passing over its spiracles (breathing holes). The sawfish's long, toothed snout, called a rostrum, is used for hunting and defense. It can grow up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) in length and weigh up to 700 pounds (320 kg). The laughing sawfish is considered to be critically endangered due to overfishing, habitat loss, and pollution. Conservation efforts are underway to protect and restore this unique and important species.