Squatina oculata Bonaparte, 1840
Smoothback angelshark
photo by FAO

Family:  Squatinidae (Angel sharks)
Max. size:  160 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 5 - 500 m
Distribution:  Eastern Atlantic: Mediterranean and Morocco to Angola.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0-0. An angelshark with large thorns on snout and above eyes but not on midback, weakly bifurcated nasal barbels and weakly fringed anterior nasal flaps, the first dorsal-fin origin usually well behind the rear tips of pelvic fin, and prominent white spots on body (Ref. 247)
Biology:  Found on sand and mud bottom (Ref. 26999) of continental shelves and upper slopes (Ref. 247). Mostly between 50 and 100 m but deeper in the tropics (Ref. 247). Feeds on small fishes (Ref. 247). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 50449). Utilized fresh and dried salted for human consumption; liver oil and hide also used (Ref. 247).
IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered (CR); Date assessed: 19 June 2017 (A2bcd+3cd) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  traumatogenic
Country info:   
 


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