How to Identify Angelshark

To identify Angelshark (Squatina), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

flat

Coloration

Dorsal coloration typically mottled brown, grey, or greenish, providing excellent camouflage against sandy or muddy substrates. Ventral side is usually white or pale.

Scale type

placoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Extremely flattened body, resembling a ray, Large, broad pectoral fins not fused to the head, Two small dorsal fins located far back on the tail, Absence of an anal fin, Spiracles present behind the eyes, Fringe of dermal lobes around the nostrils, Rough skin due to dermal denticles

Dorsal fin

Two small, spineless dorsal fins located on the posterior part of the tail, well behind the pelvic fins.

Tail fin

Asymmetrical caudal fin, with the lower lobe typically larger than the upper lobe.

Pectoral fin

Large, broad, and flattened, but distinctly separated from the head, unlike true rays.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are also broad and flattened, positioned anterior to the dorsal fins. No anal fin.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for the distinctive flattened, ray-like body with broad pectoral fins that are NOT fused to the head. This distinguishes them from true rays.

2. 2

   Dorsal Fins

   Observe the two small dorsal fins located far back on the tail, near the caudal fin. Rays typically lack dorsal fins or have a single, small one.

3. 3

   Mouth Position

   The mouth is terminal (at the front of the head), unlike the ventral mouth of most rays.

4. 4

   Spiracles

   Presence of prominent spiracles behind the eyes, used for drawing in water for respiration while buried.

5. 5

   Nostril Barbels

   Many species have distinctive dermal lobes or barbels around the nostrils, which can aid in species-specific identification.

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