Longnose sawshark (Pristiophorus cirratus)

Scientific name: Pristiophorus cirratus Latham, 1794

The Longnose sawshark (Pristiophorus cirratus) is a marine fish of the family Istiophoridae. Native range: Eastern Indian Ocean, southern Australia. Does not occur in the Western Central Pacific.

Biology

Found on the continental shelf and upper slope. Forms schools. Feeds on small fishes, including cornet fishes (Fistularia), and crustaceans. Ovoviviparous, with 3-22 young in a litter (48360). Size at birth about 31-34 cm. May live for more than 15 years. Utilized fresh and frozen; meat of excellent quality.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Pristiophorus cirratus
Family: Istiophoridae (Billfishes)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 137
Common length: 125
Depth range: 37–310 m (121–1017 ft)
Environment: Marine; demersal; depth range 37 - 310 m, usually 37 - 146 m
Climate: Subtropical
Distribution: Eastern Indian Ocean: southern Australia. Does not occur in the Western Central Pacific.
Conservation status (IUCN): Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: commercial
Resilience: Very Low, minimum population doubling time more than 14 years (Fec=3)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Last updated 27 September 2026