Mediterranean · Ecological memory · Species guide
Angelshark
The shark with ray-like wings vanishing from its own map
Squatina squatina - SQUATINIDAE
Natural-history information
Species reference points
Observation
Where to look:
Original natural-history story
The species story
On a sandy seabed, a broad shape barely interrupts the uniform landscape. Its flattened body and immense pectoral fins suggest a ray, but the fins are not fused to the head: the angelshark is a true shark able to bury itself almost completely.
In a century, Squatina squatina has disappeared from about 90% of its historical range. Recent observations in Corsica therefore give special importance to undisturbed soft seabeds, where this discreet predator can still find refuge.
This guide belongs to the Ecological Memory of the Mediterranean trilogy.
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