Smoothback angelshark (Squatina oculata) fish species and information / pictures of Smoothback angelshark - Squatina oculata

Smoothback angelshark (Squatina oculata) fish species information

Scientific Name
Squatina oculata

Common Name
Smoothback angelshark

Biology
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 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)

Classification

Classified By

Bonaparte, 1840

Class

Sharks and Rays (Elasmobranchii)

Order

Angel sharks (Squatiniformes)

Family

Angel sharks (Squatinidae)

Distribution

Region

Eastern Atlantic

Distribution

Eastern Atlantic: Mediterranean and Morocco to Angola.

Range

47°N - 29°S, 17°W - 37°E

Environment

Climate

Subtropical

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

Unknown °C

Depth From - meters

5 m

Depth To - meters

500 m

Zone

demersal

Environment

Marine; demersal; depth range 5 - 500 m (Ref. 10719), usually 50 - 100 m (Ref. 247)

Trophic Level

4.02 s.e. 0.62 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

160 cm

Common Length

120 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: minor commercial

Vulnerability

High to very high vulnerability (73 of 100)

Resilience

Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (Fec assumed to be

Threat To Humans

Traumatogenic

IUCN Red List Status

Critically Endangered (CR) (A2bcd+3cd+4bcd)