Fin's Fish Guide
The Australian sawtail (Prionurus microlepidotus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Acanthuridae that grows up to 70 cm.
Description
The Australian sawtail is a sawtail surgeonfish (Acanthuridae) from coastal waters of eastern Australia. The species grows to about 70 cm and has a deep, grey body. The grey body bears fine dark wavy lines and a row of keel-plates before the tail. On each side of the tail base sits a row of sharp, fixed bony keel-plates that can inflict a cut; handle with care. As a reef-dweller it grazes algae.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Australian sawtail?
The Australian sawtail has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey. Bears sharp spines, plates or strong jaws that can cause cuts or puncture wounds; handle with care.
Where does the Australian sawtail live?
The Australian sawtail lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: Australia, Japan, Norfolk I., Lord Howe I.
How big does the Australian sawtail get?
The Australian sawtail grows to a maximum of about 70 cm.
Is the Australian sawtail dangerous to humans?
The Australian sawtail can cause injury; handle it with care. Never grab a live sawtail surgeonfish by the tail; sharp, fixed bony keel-plates sit on each side of the tail base. For a cut: rinse with clean water, apply pressure to stop bleeding and cover with a sterile dressing. Deep wounds easily become infected: have them assessed medically and check tetanus status.
Is the Australian sawtail edible?
Yes, the Australian sawtail is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Prionurus
More from the family Acanthuridae
Want the complete picture on the Australian sawtail?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Australian sawtail is one of 12,519 species in the app.