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Chilean angelshark (Squatina armata) — Squatinidae

Chilean angelshark

Squatina armata
Family: Squatinidae

The Chilean angelshark (Squatina armata) is a saltwater fish of the family Squatinidae that grows up to 95 cm.

Length
95 cm
Water
Saltwater
Body shape
Irregular
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
May bite

Description

The Chilean angelshark is an angelshark (Squatinidae), a flattened shark from coastal waters of the southeast Pacific, off Chile and Peru. The species grows to about 100 cm and has a strongly flattened, sandy body with broad, wing-like pectoral fins, making it look like a ray, but the gills are on the sides. As an ambush predator it lies buried on sand and mud bottoms and shoots up to seize fish and crustaceans. When disturbed or handled it can bite quickly and powerfully; keep clear.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Chilean angelshark?

The Chilean angelshark has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Chilean angelshark live?

The Chilean angelshark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Chilean angelshark get?

The Chilean angelshark grows to a maximum of about 95 cm.

Is the Chilean angelshark dangerous to humans?

The Chilean angelshark can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Pacifische zeeengel sourced
English name
Chilean angelshark sourced
Scientific name
Squatina armata
Family
Squatinidae
Other names
Angel shark sourced

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
95.0 verified
Body shape
Irregular sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
May bite verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Squatina

More from the family Squatinidae

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