Angelshark
Flattened, ray-like sharks that ambush prey from sandy seabeds.
Angel sharks are sharks belonging to the genus Squatina, the only living members of the family Squatinidae and order Squatiniformes. They are distinguished from other sharks by their flattened bodies and broad pectoral fins, giving them a strong resemblance to rays. They commonly inhabit sandy seabeds close to 150 m (490 ft) in depth and occur worldwide in temperate and tropical seas.
- field
- Marine biology
- known_for
- Flattened body resembling rays; ambush predators that bury themselves in sediment
- max_length
- Up to 7 feet (2.1 m)
- max_weight
- Around 77 pounds (35 kg)
- depth_range
- 1–200 metres (3.3–656.2 ft), with some species down to 1,300 m (4,300 ft)
- conservation_status
- Many species critically endangered (IUCN)
Lore & Background
Angel sharks grow up to 7 feet (2.1 m) and can weigh around 77 pounds (35 kg). The anterior part of the body is broad and flattened, while the posterior part retains a muscular appearance more typical of other sharks. Their eyes and spiracles are dorsal, and the five gill slits are on the back. Both pectoral and pelvic fins are large and held horizontally, and unusually for sharks, the lower lobe of the caudal fin is longer than the upper lobe. They possess extensible jaws that can rapidly snap upwards to capture prey and have long, needle-like teeth. They bury themselves in loose sediment, lying in wait for fish, crustaceans, and various types of mollusks. Angel sharks are ovoviviparous, producing litters of up to 13 pups.
Reader's Guide
Angel sharks are significant as the only surviving members of the order Squatiniformes, with a fossil record extending back to the Late Jurassic (around 160 million years ago). Their unique flattened body plan and ambush predation strategy distinguish them from other sharks. Many species are now critically endangered due to fishing pressure, particularly from bottom trawling and gillnets, as they inhabit shallow coastal waters. The Pacific angel shark, once considered a junk fish, saw a dramatic increase in commercial take in the 1980s, leading to population decline and subsequent fishing restrictions. Conservation efforts, such as the Angel Shark Conservation Network, are working to protect remaining populations, especially in the Mediterranean Sea. Their restricted geographic ranges and stationary bottom-dwelling habit make them vulnerable to overfishing and habitat disturbance.
Did You Know?
- Angel sharks are sometimes called monkfish, although this name is also applied to members of the genus Lophius.
- They use gill flaps located under their body to pump out water during respiration, allowing them to remain discreet.
- Spinal scoliosis has been reported in angel sharks, but it does not significantly affect their hunting capacity.
- In 1991, the use of gillnets in nearshore state waters of California was forbidden to protect Pacific angel sharks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Angelshark?
Angelsharks are sharks in the genus Squatina, the only surviving members of the family Squatinidae and order Squatiniformes. Their flattened bodies and broad pectoral fins give them a ray-like silhouette that distinguishes them from most other shark species.
How does an Angelshark hunt?
These sharks are ambush predators that sink into sandy seabed sediment and remain motionless until prey swims within striking range. They then lunge quickly to capture fish and other small marine animals.
Where do Angelsharks live?
Angelsharks occur worldwide in temperate and tropical seas, typically resting on sandy bottoms at depths around 150 metres (490 ft). Some species have been recorded at depths reaching roughly 1,300 metres (4,300 ft).
How big does an Angelshark grow?
Most species top out at about 7 feet (2.1 metres) in length and weigh around 77 pounds (35 kg). They are generally modest in size compared to many other shark species.
Are Angelsharks endangered?
Many Angelshark species are classified as critically endangered by the IUCN, making them among the most at-risk shark groups. Their slow reproductive rates and restricted sandy-bottom habitat make them especially vulnerable to overfishing and bycatch.
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