Sawsharks [Pristiophoridae]

Description

Pristiophoridae, commonly known as sawsharks, are a family of sharks characterized by their long, narrow, and flattened snouts edged with teeth, resembling a saw. These distinctive snouts are not only their most notable feature but also serve as a tool for hunting, allowing them to slash at and disable their prey. Sawsharks are relatively small compared to other sharks, usually not exceeding 1.5 meters in length. They inhabit a variety of marine environments, primarily dwelling on the continental shelf and slope in many parts of the world, including the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. Sawsharks are benthic feeders, consuming a diet of fish, crustaceans, and squid. Unlike their sawfish relatives, sawsharks have barbels (whisker-like sensory organs) near the middle of their snout, and their gills are located on the sides of the head rather than underneath.

Genera

Taxonomy