| Family: |
Squatinidae (Angel sharks) |
| Max. size: |
55.4 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
bathydemersal; marine; depth range 183 - 220 m |
| Distribution: |
North Western Pacific: East coast of Taiwan and Ryuku Islands to SE Japan to Izu Peninsula (Ref. 84150); misidentifiction of S. caillieti in the Philippines (Ref. 86399). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0. Taiwan angelshark Squatina formosa has broad pectoral fins with outer corner more obtuse and free rear tips narrowly subangular; nasal barbels apparently simple, narrow and tapered. Anterior nasal flaps smooth to weakly fringed; dermal folds on sides of head possibly with a triangular lobe. Rear tip of inner margin of pelvic fins reaching little beyond origin of first dorsal. Very short hypocercal tail. Rows of small spines on midline of back and tail, and on snout and between eyes. Color: no ocelli (eye-like spot) on body (Ref. 247, 31369). |
| Biology: |
A little-known angelshark found on the outer continental shelf. Possibly larger. Ovoviviparous (Ref. 50449). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Endangered (EN); Date assessed: 29 August 2019 (A2d) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
traumatogenic |
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