African angelshark (Squatina africana) fish species and information / pictures of African angelshark - Squatina africana

African angelshark (Squatina africana) fish species information

Scientific Name
Squatina africana

Common Name
African angelshark

Biology
Found on the continental shelf and uppermost slope, from the surf line close inshore to 494 m depth (Ref. 247). Feeds on bony fish, squid and octopus (Ref. 247). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 50449), with about 7 to 11 young in a litter (Ref. 247). Sometimes caught by surf anglers (Ref. 6588).

Classification

Classified By

Regan, 1908

Class

Sharks and Rays (Elasmobranchii)

Order

Angel sharks (Squatiniformes)

Family

Angel sharks (Squatinidae)

Distribution

Region

Western Indian Ocean

Distribution

Western Indian Ocean: tropical and warm temperate waters from Tanzania to the eastern Cape coast of South Africa.

Range

4°S - 32°S

Environment

Climate

Subtropical

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

Unknown °C

Depth From - meters

Unknown m

Depth To - meters

494 m

Zone

demersal

Environment

Marine; demersal; depth range ? - 494 m (Ref. 5578), usually 60 - 300 m (Ref. 5578)

Trophic Level

4.23 s.e. 0.63 Based on diet studies.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

True

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

False

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

80.0 cm

Common Length

Unknown cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: subsistence fisheries; gamefish: yes

Vulnerability

High vulnerability (55 of 100)

Resilience

Very Low, minimum population doubling time more than 14 years (Fec=7)

Threat To Humans

Traumatogenic

IUCN Red List Status

Data deficient (DD)