Plistiophoriformes

Sawsharks are among the most distinctive of the shark species, thanks to their saw-like snout (called the rostrum) embedded with teeth. This curious adaptation is an effective one, which sawsharks use to browse through sandy or muddy bottoms for food, which they then stun with swipes from their saws.

The sixgill saw shark is the only shark, apart from the frilled shark, that is known to have six pairs of gills, rather than the usual five or seven. Some species of sawshark are highly valued as food, especially in Japan.

Maximum size: 170cm.

Distribution: Western Indian Ocean, off the southeast coast of southern Africa. Other sawshark species are found throughout the western Atlantic and western Pacific oceans.

Diet: Bony fish, shrimps, squid.

Reproduction: Ovoviviparous.