Angelshark

Overview

The Angelshark (Squatina squatina) is a distinctive, medium-sized shark that bears a striking resemblance to a ray due to its broad, flattened body and enlarged pectoral fins. Once widespread across the northeastern Atlantic and Mediterranean, this critically endangered species is now primarily found in isolated strongholds, such as the Canary Islands.

Distribution & habitat

This benthic species inhabits coastal waters and continental shelves, typically at depths between 5 and 150 meters. It favors sandy or muddy substrates where it can easily bury itself, though it may also frequent areas with rocks or macroalgae. Historically ranging from southern Norway to Mauritania and throughout the Mediterranean, its population has suffered severe declines, leading to local extinctions across much of its former territory.

Appearance

The Angelshark is easily identified by its ray-like, flattened profile and terminal mouth surrounded by conical nasal barbels. Its dorsal coloration ranges from grey to reddish or greenish-brown, often patterned with small white spots and dark dots. While juveniles may display more vivid, net-like markings and large dark blotches, adults tend to have a plainer appearance. They lack an anal fin and possess large, dorsally positioned eyes and spiracles.

Biology & behavior

Primarily nocturnal, these sharks remain sluggish and buried in sediment during the day, with only their eyes and dorsal fins visible. At night, they become active swimmers, patrolling the seafloor. They are ambush predators that rely on camouflage to surprise passing prey. Reproduction is aplacental viviparous, with females giving birth to litters of 7 to 25 pups after a gestation period typically lasting 8 to 10 months.