Family: SQUATINIDAE, Angel Sharks
flat, wide body
2 Ds, on tail
C asymmetric, lower lobe larger
mouth opens at front
large pectorals behind distinct neck
FAMILY SQUATINIDAE
ANGEL SHARKS
Most species of angelsharks are relatively small, usually under about 1.6 m. They are unusually shaped sharks characterised by a flattened ray-like head and body, with a well defined neck at the origin of the pectoral fin; eyes on top of the head, with a large spiracle behind each; mouth opens at the front of the head; 5 gill slits situated under the head; greatly expanded pectoral and pelvic fins; 2 very small dorsal fins, on the tail; no anal fin; small asymmetric tail fin, lower lobe larger.
The family contains a single genus, Squatina, with 20 species, with one western north Atlantic species and one endemic in our region.
PREPARED BY D ROSS ROBERTSON, AFTER CARPENTER (2002)
