angel shark
angel shark, (genus Squatina), any of at least 22 species of sharks that constitute a single genus (family Squatinidae, order Squatiniformes) characterized by flattened heads and bodies, with winglike pectoral and pelvic fins that make them resemble rays. The tail bears two dorsal fins and a well-developed caudal fin. The upper surface of the head features the eyes, behind each of which is a prominent spiracle (a structure that ventilates the gills). Five gill slits occur in front of the pectoral fins. The angel shark ranges up to 2.5 metres (6.25 feet) in length.
Angel sharks are found in tropical and warm temperate oceans on the continental shelves worldwide, where they consume fishes and bottom-dwelling invertebrates. Angel sharks often lie in wait in the sandy bottom habitats near beaches before ambushing prey that pass too close above. One well-known species, the common angel shark (Squatina squatina), which resides in the waters bordering northern Europe, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Canary Islands, is popular among recreational anglers.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) notes that recreational fishing, unintentional capture in commercial fishing nets, and habitat degradation have led to substantial decreases in local populations of common angel sharks, prompting the organization to classify the species as critically endangered. Many angel shark species are also caught as bycatch by the commercial fishing industry, which has caused their populations to plummet. By 2020 the IUCN listed more than half of all known angel shark species as either endangered or critically endangered.
A selection of angel sharks is listed in the table.
| common name | scientific name | geographic range | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data source: R. Froese and D. Pauly (eds.), FishBase (2015). World Wide Web electronic publication, www.fishbase.org, version (04/2015). | |||
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African angel shark | Squatina africana | eastern Indian Ocean |
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clouded angel shark | Squatina nebulosa | western Pacific from the South China Sea to the Sea of Japan (East Sea) |
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Japanese angel shark | Squatina japonica | northwestern Pacific Ocean |
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ocellated angel shark | Squatina tergocellatoides | northwestern Pacific Ocean between China and Taiwan |
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ornate angel shark | Squatina tergocellata | eastern Indian Ocean |
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smoothback angel shark | Squatina oculata | eastern Atlantic Ocean |
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Taiwan angel shark | Squatina formosa | northwestern Pacific Ocean |