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Shortnose sawshark (Pristiophorus nudipinnis) — Pristiophoridae

Shortnose sawshark

Pristiophorus nudipinnis

The Shortnose sawshark (Pristiophorus nudipinnis) is a saltwater fish of the family Pristiophoridae that grows up to 122 cm.

Length
122 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
37.0–165.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Can cause injury
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The shortnose sawshark is a sawshark (Pristiophoridae) from coastal waters of southern Australia. The species grows to about 1.2 metres and has a slender, grey-brown body and a long, flat, blade-like snout set with sideways-projecting teeth and a pair of long barbels. With this 'saw' it probes sand and mud bottoms and dislodges prey from the sediment. The saw can cause cuts when handled; remain cautious.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Shortnose sawshark?

The Shortnose sawshark has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Shortnose sawshark live?

The Shortnose sawshark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Shortnose sawshark get?

The Shortnose sawshark grows to a maximum of about 122 cm.

Is the Shortnose sawshark dangerous to humans?

The Shortnose sawshark can cause injury; handle it with care.

Is the Shortnose sawshark edible?

Yes, the Shortnose sawshark is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zuidelijke zaaghaai sourced
English name
Shortnose sawshark sourced
Scientific name
Pristiophorus nudipinnis
Family
Pristiophoridae
Other names
Saw dog; Sawshark; Shortnose saw shark; Shortnose sawshark verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
122.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
37.0 verified
Max depth (m)
165.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Can cause injury verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Pristiophorus

More from the family Pristiophoridae

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