Argentine angelshark

Argentine angelshark
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Subclass: Elasmobranchii
Order: Squatiniformes
Family: Squatinidae
Genus: Squatina
Species: S. argentina
Binomial name
Squatina argentina
(Marini, 1930)
Range of Argentine angelshark (in blue)

The Argentine angelshark (Squatina argentina) is an angel shark of the family Squatinidae.

Measurements

Born: N/A.; Mature: ~ 100.0 cm - 120 cm TL; Max: 138 (?170) cm TL.

Identification

Colour: Are a purplish-brown color with many scattered dark brown spots (with no white), that are mostly in circular groups around a central spot. No ocelli. Obtains paler dorsal fins. Body: Has simple spatulate nasal barbels. Also slightly fringed or a smooth anterior nasal flaps with no triangular lobes on lateral head folds. Has concave between its eyes. Obtains enlarged thorns on snout, and not back. Its pectoral fins are large, broad, and obtusely angular. Convex leading edge forming a very distinct 'shoulder'.

Distribution & Range

Southwest Atlantic: from southern Brazil down south to Patagonia. 19°S - 53°S, 68°W - 38°W.

Climate & Habitat

Subtropical; continental shelf and upper slope, demersal, marine. Found 50 – 320 m (usually 100 – 400 m) down.

Behaviour

Unknown.

Biology

Diet: Feeds on demersal fishes, shrimp, and squid. Reproduction: Are ovoviviparous, birth about 7 to 11 pups per litter.

Status

IUCN Red List: Endangered.

Threat to Humans

Traumatogenic.

Resilience & Vulnerability

Very low, minimum population doubling time more than 14 years; high to very high vulnerability.

References

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Sunday, December 28, 2014. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.