ANIMAL SPECIES:Australian Angelshark, Squatina australis Regan, 1906
The Australian Angelshark is a bottom-dwelling species that can be recognised by its depressed body and large pectoral fins that are not fully joined to the head. It is often very well camouflaged.
Identification
The Australian Angelshark has a depressed body and large pectoral fins that are not fully joined to the head. It has a blunt snout and nostrils with skin flaps. There are two equal-sized dorsal fins on the tail.
The species is white below and grey to brown above with numerous pale spots.
Size range
The Australian Angelshark grows to 1.52 m in length.Distribution
In Australia it occurs from New South Wales, around the south of the country including Tasmania, and north to south-western Western Australia.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Australian Angelshark specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
It occurs in marine coastal waters. It is usually seen on sandy bottoms where it can be extremely well camouflaged.
Living with us
Danger to humans and first aid
It s not considered dangerous to people, but should not be handled. Its bite can cause serious wounds.
Classification
- Species:
- australis
- Genus:
- Squatina
- Family:
- Squatinidae
- Class:
- Chondrichthyes
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Edgar, G.J. 1997. Australian Marine Life: the plants and animals of temperate waters. Reed Books. Pp. 544.
- Glover, C.J.M. in Gomon, M.F., Glover, C.J.M. & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. State Print, Adelaide. Pp. 992.
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
- Last, P.R. & J.D. Stevens. 1994 Sharks and Rays of Australia. CSIRO. Pp. 513.
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An Australian Angelshark at Mystery Bay View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
Anterior view of an Australian Angelshark View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
An Australian Angelshark burying itself in the sand View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
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