Fin's Fish Guide
The Angelshark (Squatina squatina) is a saltwater fish of the family Squatinidae that grows up to 183 cm.
Originally widespread in the northeast Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, buried in sandy and silty bottoms of coastal and shelf water; today reduced to small remnant populations.
Description
The angelshark is a strongly flattened shark of the family Squatinidae reaching about 1.8 metres, possibly 2.4 metres. Its broad, wing-like pectoral fins make it look like a ray, but the mouth is at the front and the gill slits are on the sides; on the snout it carries two short barbels. The grey-brown upper side is finely speckled, giving perfect camouflage. By day the angelshark lies buried on sand and mud bottoms; at night it seizes flatfish, other bottom fish, squid and crustaceans in a flash. It is ovoviviparous. Through intensive bottom fishing the species has collapsed worldwide and is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Angelshark?
The Angelshark has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Strongly flattened shark that resembles a ray, with broad, wing-shaped pectoral fins, the mouth at the front and two small barbels on the nose.
Where does the Angelshark live?
The Angelshark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Originally widespread in the northeast Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, buried in sandy and silty bottoms of coastal and shelf water; today reduced to small remnant populations.
How big does the Angelshark get?
The Angelshark grows to a maximum of about 183 cm. On average the species is around 150 cm.
Is the Angelshark dangerous to humans?
The Angelshark can cause injury; handle it with care. Not venomous, but can bite with the powerful jaws if handled; treat as a wound and keep your distance.
Is the Angelshark edible?
The Angelshark is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Angelshark and live in the same waters.
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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 Angelshark?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Angelshark is one of 12,519 species in the app.