Squatina dumeril Lesueur, 1818
Atlantic angel shark
Squatina dumeril
photo by Harris, M.

Family:  Squatinidae (Angel sharks)
Max. size:  152 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 1 - 1375 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: southern New England, USA to the Gulf of Mexico, Jamaica and Venezuela. Also in Columbia (Ref. 26938).
Diagnosis:  A ray-shaped shark. Head narrowing to distinct neck at base of pectoral fins (Ref. 26938).
Biology:  Occurs on the outer continental shelf and the upper slope. Found from shoreline to depths of 1,375 m (Ref. 26938). Benthic burrower; feeds on small bottom fishes, crustaceans and mollusks (Ref. 27549). Ovoviviparous. Will bite when captured and can inflict nasty lacerations with its trap-like jaws and pointed teeth.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 23 June 2017 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  traumatogenic


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