Argentine angelshark

Taxobox
name = Argentine angelshark


image_caption =
status = EN | status_system = IUCN3.1
trend =
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Chondrichthyes
subclassis = Elasmobranchii
ordo = Squatiniformes
familia = Squatinidae
genus = "Squatina"
species = "S. argentina"
range_

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range_map_width = 200px
range_map_caption = Range of Argentine angelshark (in blue)
binomial = "Squatina argentina"
binomial_authority = (Marini, 1930)The Argentine angelshark, "Squatina argentina", is an angel shark of the family Squatinidae found in the subtropical waters of the southwest Atlantic from southern Brazil to Argentina between latitudes 19° S and 53° S, at depths of between 50 and 320 m. Its length is up to 1.7 m.

The Argentine angelshark has a squared-off snout and its head is concave between the eyes. The nasal barbels are simple and spatulate. There are strong thorns on the snout, but not on the back. It is found on the continental shelf and uppermost slope. It feeds on bony fish, squid and shrimp.

Although Compagno states that this species is common, FishBase lists it as endangered.

Coloration is purplish-brown with many dark brown spots, mostly in circular groups around a central darker spot.

Reproduction is ovoviviparous, with 7 to 11 pups in a litter.

References

*
* Compagno, Dando, & Fowler, "Sharks of the World", Princeton University Press, New Jersey 2005 ISBN 0-691-12072-2