Diagnosis: A heavily-bodied sawfish with a short but massive saw which is broad-based, strongly tapering and with 14-22 very large teeth on each side; space between last 2 saw-teeth on sides less than 2 times space between first 2 teeth (Ref. 5578). Pectoral fins high and angular, 1st dorsal fin mostly in front of pelvic fins, and caudal fin with pronounced lower lobe (Ref. 5578).

Description: Body shark-like; head and forebody depressed; caudal region compressed (Ref. 52193). Saw relatively short and broad, length 5 times width of base in mature specimens, 17-22 widely spaced teeth on either side (Ref. 52193). Mouth ventral, straight, numerous small teeth in bands; gill slits underneath, behind origin of pectoral fins (Ref. 52193). Pectoral fins large, triangular, extending onto the sides of the head; 2 dorsal fins, origin of first dorsal fin well in front of origin of pelvic fins; anal fin absent; caudal fin with distinct lower lobe (Ref. 52193).

Colouration: Greenish, grey, olive or golden-brown above, dirty cream below (Ref. 5578, 52193).