Genus: Squatina, Angel Shark, Angel Sharks
distinct neck before large pectorals
2 Ds
mouth opens at front
SQUATINA
ANGEL SHARKS
Medium sized sharks (to 2.2 m), with 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.
A circumglobal genus (except for eastern Indian and central Pacific Oceans) in subtropical and temperate areas. This genus contains 20 species, with one western north Atlantic species, and one endemic in our region.
