angelshark

Scientific name Squatina squatina
Descriptor Linnaeus
Year of description 1758
IUCN category (World) CR
Family Squatinidae
Genus Squatina
Squatina squatina Squatina squatina

Introduction

Squatina squatina, commonly known as angelshark, is a salt water fish.

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Who is it?

Morphology

  • Average size
    150 cm
  • Maximum size
    245 cm
  • Mimicry
    sand
  • Pattern
    ponctuations
  • Average size
    150 cm
  • Maximum size
    245 cm
  • Mimicry
    sand
  • Pattern
    ponctuations

How to recognize the angelshark ?

The angelshark measures around 150 cm. The females are more imposing and some specimens can reach 245 cm. This fish is unicolore with a predominantly marron, beige and gris body. The also has blanc ponctuations.

Sexual dimorphism

The female is bigger than the male.

Behaviour & Life cycle

  • diet
    carnivorous
  • Sociability
    solitary
  • territorial
    Yes
  • Way of living
    nocturnal

The angelshark is a fish solitary naturally found on the bottom. This species is carnivorous . This fish lives mainly at night. Usually, it leaves its hiding place and starts to be active once it gets dark.

This species is territorial and does not appreciate the presence of intruders nearby, especially animals with similar behavior. However, the angelshark has little concern for non-territorial animals.

Reproduction

  • Reproduction
    ovovivipare

The angelshark is a fish ovovivipare.

Risks for humans

  • Venomous
    No
  • Bite
    Yes

This species can attack if it feels threatened. It is important to be particularly vigilant especially during dives or fishing sessions.

Where to find it?

Conservation status of populations (IUCN)

World : CR

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

  • Temperature
    15 - 25 °C
  • Depth
    5 - 150 m

Biotope presentation

The angelshark is most often found at a depth between 5m and 150m. However, it is not impossible to find this species at other depths.

Species of the same biotope

To go further

To read on the web

Sources & Contributions

Participation & Validation

The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.

Benoit Chartrer

Benoit Chartrer

Silvia Gomez

Silvia Gomez

Julie Magnus

Julie Magnus

Translation

Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.

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Scientific partners

Same genus

Species of the same biotope

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