Fin's Fish Guide
The Sawback angelshark (Squatina aculeata) is a saltwater fish of the family Squatinidae that grows up to 188 cm.
Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, buried in sandy and silty bottoms of the continental shelf and the upper slope.
Description
The sawback angelshark is a strongly flattened, ray-like shark of the family Squatinidae (angelsharks) reaching about 1.9 metres. The broad, flat body with large, wing-like pectoral fins recalls a ray, but the gill slits lie on the sides, as in sharks. A row of large thorns runs along the midback and tail (hence 'sawback'); the grey-brown upper side bears dark spots. The species lies half-buried by day on sand and mud bottoms of the continental shelf in the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean and ambushes bottom fish, crustaceans and squid at night. It is viviparous. Through heavy fishing and bycatch it has largely disappeared and is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Sawback angelshark?
The Sawback angelshark has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Strongly flattened, ray-like shark with a row of large thorns over the back and tail; greyish-brown with dark blotches.
Where does the Sawback angelshark live?
The Sawback angelshark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, buried in sandy and silty bottoms of the continental shelf and the upper slope.
How big does the Sawback angelshark get?
The Sawback angelshark grows to a maximum of about 188 cm. On average the species is around 100 cm.
Is the Sawback angelshark dangerous to humans?
The Sawback 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 Sawback angelshark edible?
The Sawback angelshark is rarely eaten.
Easily confused with
These species look like the Sawback angelshark and live in the same waters.
Want the complete picture on the Sawback angelshark?
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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 Sawback angelshark?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sawback angelshark is one of 12,519 species in the app.