About the Species
The smoothback angelshark is a cartilaginous fish similar to a ray or skate. The species once occurred in waters throughout the Mediterranean Sea and along the eastern Atlantic, from Morocco to Angola. It is no longer observed in many areas of the Mediterranean and is rare throughout the rest of its range. The main threat to the smoothback angelshark is commercial fishing, particularly by bottom- trawl fisheries that operate in depths where the species occurs. In 2016, NOAA Fisheries listed the species as endangered under the Endangered Species Act.
Appearance
Angel sharks, written as one word when referring to the species, are characterized by their flattened, batoid shape (similar to a ray or skate). The smoothback angelshark can be distinguished from other angel sharks by thorns, which are sharp, tooth-like structures that occur on the skin of the snout and above the eyes but are absent from their smooth back. The first dorsal fin originates well behind the tips of the pelvic fins, and white spots occur in symmetrical patterns on its pectoral fins and along the length of its body.
Behavior and Diet
Smoothback angelsharks are lie in wait, ambush (still and hidden) predators that forage on demersal (bottom-dwelling) fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans.
Where They Live
Smoothback angelsharks are found along the continental shelf in the Mediterranean Sea and eastern Atlantic Ocean. They occur in depths of 33 to 656 feet.
World map providing approximate representation of the smoothback angelshark's range.
Lifespan & Reproduction
Female smoothback angelsharks have a year-long gestation period. Females are thought to give birth on alternate years to litters of approximately 3 to 8 pups.
Threats
Commercial and Artisanal Fishing
The primary threat to the smoothback angelshark is overutilization in commercial and artisanal fisheries. Because angelsharks are sedentary, bottom-dwelling species, they are highly susceptible to being caught in demersal and trawl fisheries. Historically, angel sharks were so common that fishermen developed a special net designed specifically for catching them. However, overfishing depleted the smoothback angelshark to such low levels that targeted fisheries were abandoned decades ago. Now, the greatest threat to the species is bycatch in fisheries targeting other species. In the Mediterranean, regulations prohibit the landing, retention, and sale of angel sharks. However, smoothback angelsharks are still retained and consumed or sold in local markets throughout its range.
Scientific Classification
| Animalia |
Chordata |
Chondrichthyes |
Squatiniformes |
Squatinidae |
Squatina |
oculata |
Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 08/21/2025
