Eastern Angelshark, Squatina albipunctata Last & White, 2008

Scientific name: Squatina albipunctata
  • Updated
    19/06/24
  • Read time
    2 minutes
Eastern Angelshark, Squatina albipunctata Click to enlarge image
Eastern Angelshark, Squatina albipunctata. Image: Peter (fiftygrit)
© CC BY-NC 4.0

Fast Facts

  • IUCN Conservation Status
    VULNERABLE (VU)
  • Classification
    Genus
    Squatina
    Species
    albipunctata
    Family
    Squatinidae
    Order
    Squatiniformes
    Class
    Chondrichthyes
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia

Introduction

The Eastern Angelshark, Squatina albipunctata, is a species found along the eastern coast of Australia. A recently described species in 2008, little is known about the population size, biology and ecology of this species.

What do Eastern Angelsharks look like?

Identification

The Eastern Angelshark has a robust, strongly depressed body with a pattern of fine white dark edged spots. It features large pectoral and pelvic fins, along with dorsal fins that are similar in size and shape. It is characterised by its dense coverage of denticles.

Eastern Angelshark, Squatina albipunctata
Eastern Angelshark, Squatina albipunctata. Image: Peter (fiftygrit)
© CC BY-NC 4.0

Where do Eastern Angelsharks live?

Habitat

This species inhabits continental shelves and upper slopes, from depths ranging from 37-145m.

Distribution

The Eastern Angelshark is endemic to eastern Australia, ranging from Cairns, Queensland, to Lakes Entrance, Victoria.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

What is the diet and reproductive behaviour of Eastern Angelsharks?

Feeding and Diet

Eastern Angelsharks are suspected to eat a similar diet to other angelshark species, such as fish, squid and crustaceans, and are ambush predators.

Life Cycle

These angelsharks can grow up to 130 cm in total length, with males maturing at around 91 cm TL and females at approximately 107 cm TL. The size at birth is about 27–30 cm TL.

Conservation status

Primary Threats

The Eastern Angelshark is assessed as Vulnerable (IUCN) and faces threats from commercial demersal trawl fisheries, specifically in the southern part of its range where it is marketable bycatch. Significant population declines have been reported in this southern area, while in the more northern part if its range, it is believed the population is relatively healthy.

References