Fin's Fish Guide
The Angular angel shark (Squatina guggenheim) is a brackish-water fish of the family Squatinidae that grows up to 129 cm.
Description
The angular angelshark is an angel shark (Squatinidae) from the southwestern Atlantic Ocean. The species has a strongly flattened, ray-like body with large, wing-like pectoral fins, but is a true shark. By day it lies half-buried on soft bottoms of the continental shelf and hunts from ambush at night. It is ovoviviparous. Bony fishes are its main prey, alongside crustaceans and molluscs. Owing to fishing pressure it is considered endangered. It is not venomous, but can bite forcefully when disturbed.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Angular angel shark?
The Angular angel shark has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Flattened, half-buried ambush shark; threatened by fishing, bites when disturbed.
Where does the Angular angel shark live?
The Angular angel shark lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southwest Atlantic; soft bottoms of the continental shelf.
How big does the Angular angel shark get?
The Angular angel shark grows to a maximum of about 129 cm. On average the species is around 89 cm.
Is the Angular angel shark dangerous to humans?
No, the Angular angel shark is harmless to humans. Not venomous, but the sharp teeth can inflict a serious bite wound; keep your distance and handle caught or cornered animals carefully. Clean a bite wound thoroughly and seek medical care for deep wounds or infection.
Is the Angular angel shark edible?
Yes, the Angular angel shark is commonly 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 Angular angel shark?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Angular angel shark is one of 12,519 species in the app.