Angelshark

What it is

Angel sharks belong to the genus Squatina and represent the sole surviving lineage of the family Squatinidae and order Squatiniformes. Their bodies are distinctly flattened with broad pectoral fins that create a strong resemblance to rays. The anterior section is wide and flat, while the posterior part retains a muscular structure typical of other sharks. Eyes and spiracles sit on top of the head, and five gill slits are located on the back. Most species reach about 1.5 metres, though some grow to 2.1 metres. They possess two dorsal fins, lack an anal fin, and have a caudal fin where the lower lobe exceeds the upper one in length.

Where it lives

These sharks occur globally across temperate and tropical marine environments. While many species stay in shallow coastal waters between three and 100 metres deep, some inhabit deeper zones reaching down to 1,300 metres. Historically, populations were widespread in the Northeast Atlantic, spanning from Norway and Sweden to Morocco and the Mediterranean Sea. Today, most species are restricted to smaller geographic areas due to their stationary bottom-dwelling habits, which make trans-ocean migration unlikely.

How it lives

Angel sharks are ambush predators that bury themselves in loose sediment to remain camouflaged for weeks. They use negative pressure to suck prey into their mouths when it passes nearby. Their diet consists of fish, crustaceans, and various mollusks. At night, they may cruise along the sea floor more actively. Despite appearing harmless, they can inflict painful lacerations if provoked, particularly near the head or tail. They breathe by pumping water out using gill flaps under their body rather than through the mouth cavity.

Breeding and life cycle

Reproduction is ovoviviparous, meaning females produce live young that develop inside eggs within the uterus. Litters typically contain up to 13 pups. For example, Pacific angel shark pups are born between March and June in deep water at depths of 55 to 90 metres, likely to protect them from predators. Young sharks are small enough that accidental stepping on buried newborns has led to rare human injuries.

Fish and people

Angel sharks have been targeted by commercial fisheries, often as bycatch in gillnets and trawls due to their shallow habitat. In California, the Pacific angel shark was once considered junk fish used for crab bait but became a major commercial catch in the late 1980s before population declines led to restrictions. In the UK, full protection was afforded under the Wildlife and Countryside Act in 2008. Some species are also caught in Brazil, where DNA barcoding helps monitor illegal trade of protected stocks.

Status and threats

Many species are classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. The European angel shark (Squatina squatina) was listed as Critically Endangered in 2010, a status reaffirmed in 2019. Mediterranean species face high extinction risks due to fishing pressure and habitat sensitivity. Conservation efforts include the Angel Shark Conservation Network, established by the IUCN and Shark Trust, working with authorities in Greece and Turkey. Regulations now limit fishing in parts of their range to prevent further decline.

Relatives and look-alikes

The genus Squatina contains 26 recognized extant species, including the sawback angelshark, Japanese angelshark, and sand devil. They are sometimes confused with monkfish, a name also applied to members of the genus Lophius. Fossil records show ancestors like Pseudorhina from the Late Jurassic resemble modern forms. Other elasmobranchs such as guitarfish share similar habitats but differ morphologically.

Questions people ask about Angelshark

Good reading and sources

• Client ChallengeNature, Article

• Angelshark on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data