African angelshark (Squatina africana)

Scientific name: Squatina africana Regan, 1908

African angelshark (Squatina africana)

The African angelshark (Squatina africana) is a marine fish of the family Squatinidae. Native range: Western Indian Ocean, tropical and warm temperate waters from Tanzania to the eastern Cape coast of South Africa.

Biology

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

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Squatina africana
Family
Squatinidae (Angel sharks)
Order
Squatiniformes (Angel sharks)
Class
Elasmobranchii (Sharks and Rays)
Maximum length
80.0
Depth range
494 m (1621 ft)
Environment
Marine; demersal; depth range ? - 494 m, usually 60 - 300 m
Climate
Subtropical
Distribution
Western Indian Ocean: tropical and warm temperate waters from Tanzania to the eastern Cape coast of South Africa.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Data deficient (DD)
Threat to humans
Traumatogenic
Uses
Fisheries: subsistence fisheries; gamefish: yes
Resilience
Very Low, minimum population doubling time more than 14 years (Fec=7)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

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