Sawlike snout with barbels and large rostral teeth. Six pairs of gill slits. No anal fin.
Coloration
Brown, with light or white ventral surface.
Distribution
Western Indian Ocean: Mozambique to South Africa.
Biology
A common species of benthic and epibenthic waters found over the continental shelves and upper slopes down to depths of approximately 450 m. Adult animals seem to segregate from younger ones by moving into deeper waters.
Diet
Small fishes, crustacean and squid.
Size
Average size about 100 cm to 120 cm, maximum total length at least 135 cm.
Reproduction
Aplacental viviparous (ovoviviparous). 5 to 7 pups per litter. Size at birth 35 cm. Males reach sexual maturity at about 35 cm, females at 110 cm.
Similar Species
All other sawsharks (4 species) possess 5 pairs of gill slits.
Vulnerability
Category:Least Concern (LC) Criteria: - Last evaluated:2020 Trend:
