Fin's Fish Guide
The African angelshark (Squatina africana) is a saltwater fish of the family Squatinidae that grows up to 84 cm.
Western Indian Ocean along the coast of southeastern Africa, buried in sandy and silty bottoms of the continental shelf.
Description
The African angelshark is a strongly flattened, ray-like shark of the family Squatinidae (angelsharks) reaching about 84 cm. The broad, flat body with large, wing-like pectoral fins recalls a ray, but the gill slits lie on the sides, as in sharks; small barbels sit by the nostrils. The grey-brown upper side bears small white spots. The species lies half-buried by day on sand and mud bottoms of the continental shelf along the coast of southeastern Africa and ambushes bottom fish, crustaceans and squid at night. It is viviparous. Through fishing and bycatch it has declined and is assessed as Near Threatened (NT).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the African angelshark?
The African angelshark has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Strongly flattened, ray-like shark with broad pectoral fins and small barbels at the nostrils; greyish-brown with small white spots.
Where does the African angelshark live?
The African angelshark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Indian Ocean along the coast of southeastern Africa, buried in sandy and silty bottoms of the continental shelf.
How big does the African angelshark get?
The African angelshark grows to a maximum of about 84 cm.
Is the African angelshark dangerous to humans?
The African angelshark can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans. Not venomous, but a predatory shark with sharp teeth: keep your distance from a hooked or landed shark and handle only with proper equipment.
Is the African angelshark edible?
The African angelshark is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Squatina
More from the family Squatinidae
Want the complete picture on the African angelshark?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the African angelshark is one of 12,519 species in the app.