Fin's Fish Guide
The Green sawfish (Pristis zijsron) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Pristidae that grows up to 730 cm.
Description
The green sawfish is a giant sawfish from the Indo-West Pacific, ranging from the Persian Gulf and Red Sea to South Africa, India and Australia. The species can grow to over 7 metres and has a shark-like body with a long, toothed saw (rostrum), dark grey to brownish-black above and whitish below. It lives in shallow bays, estuaries and lagoons and tolerates salt, brackish and fresh water; with the saw it stuns fish and roots in the bottom. The saw can inflict serious injuries. The species is ovoviviparous and, through overfishing, is severely threatened: the IUCN assesses it as Critically Endangered (CR) and it is covered by CITES Appendix I.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Green sawfish?
The Green sawfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Long saw set with teeth; tolerates salt, brackish and fresh water; critically endangered (CITES I)
Where does the Green sawfish live?
The Green sawfish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Green sawfish get?
The Green sawfish grows to a maximum of about 730 cm. On average the species is around 550 cm.
Is the Green sawfish dangerous to humans?
The Green sawfish can cause injury; handle it with care. Keep clear of the saw, which can inflict deep cuts and puncture wounds with sideways swipes; in case of injury control bleeding and seek emergency medical help.
Is the Green sawfish edible?
The Green sawfish is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pristis
More from the family Pristidae
Want the complete picture on the Green sawfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Green sawfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.