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Squatinidae

Squatinidae

Overview

Squatinidae Bonaparte, 1838

Common Name: 'Angel shark'

Extant/Extinct

Key morphological features: These sharks can almost be mistaken for rays with their large pectoral fins and flattened bodies. Able to bury themselves in sand or mud, they can be ambush predators but eat a variety of fish, clams, and crustaceans. Modern species live in shallow tropical to temperate seas. 

        SIZE: Up to 1.5 meters (5ft)

Paleoecology:

        MOBILITY: Mobile (swim)

        FEEDING MODE: Predator

        HABITAT: epifaunal

Sources:

Stelbrink, Björn; von Rintelen, Thomas; Cliff, Geremy; Kriwet, Jürgen (2010). "Molecular systematics and global phylogeography of angel sharks (genus Squatina)". Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 54 (2): 395–404.


Genera of Squatinidae present in the Cretaceous of the Western Interior Seaway