Australian Biological Resources Study

Australian Faunal Directory

Pristidae

Pristidae

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CAAB: 37025000

Family PRISTIDAE

Sawfishes


Compiler and date details

14 June 2011 - Douglass F. Hoese & Jennifer E. Gates

Introduction

Currently, two genera and at least seven species of pristids are recognised from the tropical Atlantic, Indian and western Pacific oceans (Nelson 2006), four of which are recognised from Australian waters (Last & Stevens 1994, 2009; Compagno & Last 1999). Bigelow & Schroeder (1953) reviewed the sawfishes. Pristis pectinata has been recorded from Australia based on a photo from the Gulf of Carpentaria, but has not been documented and is not included here following Last & Stevens (2009).

Sawfishes live close to the bottom in coastal marine areas and estuaries, and are often found in freshwater. They are ovoviviparous and feed on small fishes. Their biology is discussed by Wueringer, Squire & Collin (2009). Pristids are large, reaching a size of 3 to 8 m. Many are regarded as threatened or vulnerable.

 

History of changes

Note that this list may be incomplete for dates prior to September 2013.
Published As part of group Action Date Action Type Compiler(s)
16-Apr-2012 16-Apr-2012 MODIFIED
10-Mar-2010 MODIFIED