Fin's Fish Guide
The Sawtooth gaper (Champsodon nudivittis) is a saltwater fish of the family Champsodontidae that grows up to 13 cm.
Oceania: Australia, Indonesia, Madagascar, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines and others
Description
The sawtooth gaper is a small predatory fish (Champsodontidae) from coastal waters of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 13 cm and has a slender, partly translucent body with a large mouth full of fine teeth and high-set eyes. It lives over sand and mud bottoms of the continental margin and hunts small fish and crustaceans from the water column, engulfing them with its wide-gaping mouth. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Sawtooth gaper?
The Sawtooth gaper has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Sawtooth gaper live?
The Sawtooth gaper lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Oceania: Australia, Indonesia, Madagascar, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines and others
How big does the Sawtooth gaper get?
The Sawtooth gaper grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.
Is the Sawtooth gaper dangerous to humans?
No, the Sawtooth gaper is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Sawtooth gaper and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Champsodon
More from the family Champsodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Sawtooth gaper?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sawtooth gaper is one of 12,519 species in the app.