Angelshark

D-Meerengel, Engelshai; GB-Angelshark; DK-Havengel; PL-Raszpla zwyczajna, anioł morski; EST-Ingelhai; RU-Европейский морской ангел; FIN-Merienkeli; S-Havsängel

Characters

1) Pectoral and pelvic fins big and wing like.
2) Two dorsal fins of same size, first dorsal fin behind pectoral fins.
3) Ventral part of caudal fin bigger than dorsal part.
●) Front part of body flattened and ray-like shape.
●) Marbled with white and black spots.
Often 90 to 120 cm lenght, max 250 cm length.

Similar species

- unmistakable

Biology

Bottom-dweller shark, often burried in the ground; prefers sand or mud ground at depths of 5 to 100 m, but also coastal waters and estuaries. Sexual maturity at a length of 1.5 m. After an gestation period of 8 to 10 months young will be born of about 30 cm length.

Diet

Mainly flat fish, rays, crustaceans and molluscs.

Importance

In former times specifically consumed, today ending mainly as by-catch in trawl nets.

Endangerment

In danger of extinction; heavy decline of Population due to by-catch.