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sawfish
(redirected from Pristidae)

   Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus, Wikipedia, Hutchinson 0.45 sec.
sawfish: see ray ray, extremely flat-bodied cartilaginous marine fish , related to the shark . The pectoral fins of most rays are developed into broad, flat, winglike appendages, attached all along the sides of the head; the animal swims by rippling movements of these wings.
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sawfish

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Sawfish (Pristis).
(credit: Karl H. Maslowski)
Any of about six species (genus Pristis, family Pristidae) of sharklike ray. Sawfishes have a long head, long body, and a long, toothed, bladelike snout. The largest attain lengths of 23 ft (7 m) or more. These bottom-dwellers inhabit shallow waters of subtropical and tropical bays and estuaries and sometimes swim up rivers. Some live in the freshwaters of Lake Nicaragua. They are not generally dangerous. Their saws are used either to dig out bottom animals or, when lashed about, to kill or maim schooling fishes. Sawfishes are good to eat when small; they are fished in some areas for food, oil, skins, and other products.


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