Not just Shark
Pictures: Elasmodiver contains photos of sharks, skates, rays, and
chimaera's from around the world. It began as a simple web based
field guide to help divers find the best places to encounter
different species of sharks and rays but it has slowly evolved into
a much larger project containing information on all aspects of shark
diving and photography. There are now more than a thousand shark
pictures and sections on shark evolution, biology, and
conservation. There is a large library of reviewed shark books, a
constantly outdated shark taxonomy page, a monster list of shark
links, and deeper in the site there are numerous articles and
stories about shark encounters. Elasmodiver is now so difficult to
check for updates, that new information and pictures are listed on
an Elasmodiver Updates Page that can be accessed here:
If you're looking for a
broader range of marine life pictures the following links represent
a new area that contains pictures on other marine organisms and on
marine habitats. This expansion of Elasmodiver is in its first
stages but will eventually include pages on everything from sea
stars to nudibranchs. Creating this portal will take time and for
now it consists of a token offering of fish pictures. Please return
regularly to enjoy the progress.
Identification: Overall
flattened sharklike body. Elongated flattened rostrum (saw) accounts for about
1/3 of overall length. Saw contains 24 to 34 pairs of rostral teeth which
are further apart near the base of the rostrum.
First dorsal fin originates behind
pelvic fins. Lower caudal lobe is greatly reduced.
Size: Maximum
length 730cm.
Habitat:
Sand and mud bottoms in estuaries, bays, and lagoons. Also in fresh or brackish
water environments in lakes and rivers.
Abundance and distribution:
Uncommon due to habitat loss and over fishing. Easily caught in fishing nets
where removal without injury to the animal is difficult. Also previously hunted
for its saw which was sold in curio shops. Northern Indian Ocean and Western
Pacific from South Africa to Australia.
Behavior: Swims
into schools of fish and thrashes its saw from side to side, wounding and
killing the fish which it then recovers. May also use its saw to dig for crustaceans
and mollusks in the sediment.
Reproduction: Ovoviviparous.
Young are born with flexible rostrums in which the teeth are covered
with a sheath of skin to avoid injury to the mother. After birth the
rostrum unrolls and hardens.
Observations:
Photographs:
Similar species:
The Green Sawfish shares its range with at least 3 other species. The Dwarf
Sawfish (Pristis clavata) has a rounder head and evenly spaced rostral teeth,
the Narrow Sawfish (Anoxypristis cuspidata) has a much narrower rostrum, and the
Freshwater or Broadbill Sawfish (Pristis microdon) has a distinct lower tail
lobe, a broader rostral base, and evenly spaced rostral teeth with the leading
pair angled forward.
Reaction to divers:
Diving logistics:
There are no locations that I know of where divers can reliably find Green Sawfish due to their rarity and preference for turbid environments.
Any information on sightings of this species by divers and hikers would be very
welcome.
Other diving locations submitted by readers:
References:
Field Identification Guide to Western Australia - Sharks and
Shark-like Rays. Department of Fisheries
