Within the chondrichthyans we find various types of cartilaginous fish, one of them being sharks. These animals are represented by a particular diversity in which they range from prehistoric individuals, of very small size, to species that exceed 10 meters in length. Thus, sharks are a varied and singular group.
In this article on our site we want to present information about one of the most peculiar sharks that exist, also considered a mysterious animal, known as angel shark or angelsharkContinue reading and discover the species, characteristics , habitat and conservation status of this wonderful shark.
Characteristics of the angel shark or angelshark
Below, we present the most outstanding characteristics of the angelshark:
- The ray-like shape is the most distinctive feature of the angel shark, so that the body is flattened dorsiventrally, while the towards the posterior region of the body it maintains the most typical shape of sharks.
- Both the pectoral and pelvic fins are wing-shaped, but the former are wider, while the latter are slightly smaller.
- The snout ends in a rounded mouth when closed, although an oval shape can be noticed when it opens, as it can actually open relatively wide.
- Over the mouth its eyes are easily distinguished.
- It has large dorsal spiracles.
- Has five pairs of gill slits that run from each side of the head to below the throat.
- The two dorsal fins lack spines, has no anal fin and the caudal is well developed, with the peculiarity of a lower lobe longer than the upper one, something contrary to what most sharks have.
- It also has the ability to stay on the seabed without moving. This is due to the specific muscles that pump water over the gills and spiracles, so that can breathe without having to move in the water.
- The teeth are pointed, conical and with a broad base.
- Normally, is around 1.5 meters long and weighs around 30 kg, so it is not one of the smaller sharks. big in the world. Females are usually larger than males.
- The coloration is whitish with brown, red and gray spots, but there are also individuals with dark tones. Its coloration allows it to easily camouflage itself on the muddy seabed.
Species of angel shark or angelshark
Before we get into the different types of angel shark, let's learn about the taxonomic classification of the angelshark:
- Animal Kingdom
- Phylum: Chordates
- Class: Chondrichthyans
- Order: Squatiniformes
- Family: Squatinidae
- Genre: Squatina
In relation to the number of species, due to the similarity between them and the discontinuous distribution, it has been difficult to specify the exact number of existing species by consensus. Thus, the Integrated Taxonomic Classification System [1] recognizes 13, but the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reports 22. That said, we will name to the 22 angelshark species recognized by the IUCN:
- Serrated Angel Shark (Squatina aculeata)
- African Angel Shark (Squatina africana)
- Eastern Angelshark (Squatina albipunctata)
- Argentine Angel Shark (Squatina argentina)
- Chilean angel shark (Squatina armata)
- Australian Angel Shark (Squatina australis)
- Philippine Angel Shark (Squatina caillieti)
- Pacific Angel Shark (Squatina californica)
- David's Angelshark (Squatina david)
- Atlantic Angelshark (Squatina dumeril)
- Taiwan angel shark (Squatina formosa)
- Angle angel shark (Squatina guggenheim)
- Japanese Angel Shark (Squatina japonica)
- Indonesian Angel Shark (Squatina legnota)
- Clouded Angel Shark (Squatina nebulosa)
- Hidden Angelshark (Squatina occulta)
- Smoothback angel shark (Squatina oculata)
- Western angel shark (Squatina pseudocellata)
- Angel Shark (Squatina squatina)
- Ornate Angel Shark (Squatina tergocellata)
- Ocellated Angelshark (Squatina tergocellatoides)
- Vari's Angel Shark (Squatina varii)
Where do angel sharks live?
The angel shark (Squatina squatina) is native to Algeria, Croatia, Denmark, France, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Libya, M alta, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom, although in several of these countries it was present in particular maritime regions and not with a generalized distribution. However, reports now indicate that its range has decreased due to severe population decline.
As for the habitat of the angel shark, it prefers temperate areas, towards the bottom of the continental shelves in Europe, from the shallow coastal areas to about 150 meters below sea level. It can occasionally be seen in estuaries and brackish aquatic ecosystems.
Opt for marshy or sandy bottoms, where it camouflages itself very well, and tends to move at night. Although it does not make large migrations, it can have seasonal movements associated with temperature and reproduction. If camouflage in animals seems strange, learn about other Animals that camouflage themselves in nature in this other article.
Angeloshark feeding
Like many other sharks, is a carnivorous species that catches its prey while hidden on the seabed covered by sand or It actively looks for them at night, which is when we have already mentioned that it is more active. Thus, it has a fairly varied diet that can include different fish (sea bass, flatfish, sea bass, mackerel, tuna, bonito, Pacific hake and sardines), squid, octopus and crustaceans
In this other post we talk more in depth about what sharks eat.
Angel Shark Breeding
Information on the reproductive biology of the angel shark is not abundant. It is estimated that females reach sexual maturity when they measure between 128 and 169 cm, while males when they reach 80 or 132 cm, although these dimensions may be smaller depending on the region where they live. Gestation is about 10 months and the pups measure 20 to 30 cm when they are born. Normally, the birth of small angel sharks usually occurs from December to February for those who live in the Mediterranean, between April and July in Spain, specifically in the Canary Islands, and in July in the case of the United Kingdom.
The species is lecithotrophic viviparous, that is, it feeds on the yolk of the egg and is born fully developed Generally, a female is between 7 and 25 pups, so it has offspring of intermediate size, which basically depends on the size of the mother.
Is the angelshark dangerous?
This species tends to avoid humans and usually swims away in our presence. However, since it is camouflaged on the seabed, if a human approaches it out of sight or intentionally goes after it, can react aggressively, inflicting painful wounds with its sharp teeth. In this sense, the angel shark can be dangerous for people whenever it feels threatened.
Is the angel shark endangered?
The angel shark is listed by the IUCN as Critically Endangered, with a declining population. The causes of this fact are associated with its excessive hunting, on the one hand, for the consumption of its meat for thousands of years, and on the other, for commercialization of its skin to polish both wood and ivory and for the production of oil with its liver. Although fisheries for this species have now been greatly restricted, there are some concerns in some regions that tougher laws are needed to protect the angel shark from extinction.
If you are concerned about this issue, in this article we explain how you can help animals in danger of extinction.
