Family Squatinidae Scientific name Squatina albipunctata Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Order Squatiniformes Genus Squatina Higher classification Angel shark | |
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Similar Western highfin spurdog, Eastern Australian sawshark, Australian angelshark, Argentine angelshark, Rasptooth dogfish | ||
The Eastern angelshark (Squatina albipunctata) is an angel shark of the family Squatinidae.
Contents
Measurements
Born: 30 cm TL; Mature: ~ 91 cm (M), 107 cm (F) TL; Max: 110 cm (M), 130 cm (F) TL.
Identification
Colour: Are a yellow-brown to a chocolate-brown, obtains dense patterns of small white dark edged symmetrical spots, also with many large brownish blotches. Has white nuchal spot (no ocelli). Also has light unspotted unpaired fins. Body: Has a very short snout. Has concave interorbital space and heavy orbital thorns which can be distinguished from Squatina australis. The nasal barbels have extended tips and lobate fringes. Has low lateral head folds. The spiracles are close to the eyes, and are wider than eye-length. Obtains strong orbital thorns, and no medial row of predorsal thorns are shown.
Distribution & Range
Pacific: eastern Australia. Found between Cairns, Queensland and Lakes Entrance, Victoria. 17°S - 38°S.
Climate & Habitat
Tropical; Outer continental shelf and upper slope, benthopelagic, marine. Usually found in sand, 37-4 15 m down, but occasionally up to 60 m.
Behaviour
Unknown.
Biology
Diet: Probably feeds on bony fishes, crustaceans, and cephalopods. Reproduction: Up to 20 pups per litter.
Status
Threat to Humans
Harmless.
Resilience & Vulnerablity
Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years; moderate to high vulnerability.