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Clouded angelshark (Squatina nebulosa) — Squatinidae

Clouded angelshark

Squatina nebulosa
Family: Squatinidae

The Clouded angelshark (Squatina nebulosa) is a saltwater fish of the family Squatinidae that grows up to 160 cm.

Length
160 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–200.0 m
Body shape
Irregular
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
May bite

Description

The clouded angelshark is an angelshark (Squatinidae), a flattened shark from coastal waters of the northwest Pacific, off East Asia. The species grows to about 1.6 metres and has a strongly flattened, cloudy brown-grey body with broad, wing-like pectoral fins, making it look like a ray, but the gills are on the sides. As an ambush predator it lies buried on sand and mud bottoms and shoots up to seize fish and crustaceans. When disturbed or handled it can bite quickly and powerfully; keep clear.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Clouded angelshark?

The Clouded angelshark has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Clouded angelshark live?

The Clouded angelshark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Clouded angelshark get?

The Clouded angelshark grows to a maximum of about 160 cm.

Is the Clouded angelshark dangerous to humans?

The Clouded angelshark can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Bewolkte zeeengel sourced
English name
Clouded angelshark sourced
Scientific name
Squatina nebulosa
Family
Squatinidae
Other names
Black angel shark; Clouded angel shark; Clouded angelshark; Japanese angel shark verified

Appearance

Max length (cm)
160 sourced
Body shape
Irregular sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
200.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
May bite verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Squatina

More from the family Squatinidae

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