New 🐟 Mercury Safety Guide & Omega-3 Rankings Updated for 2026. View Omega-3 Rankings →

🌊 Marine Least Concern ⚠️ Venomous ⚡ Traumatogenic 🌡️ Temperate

Australian angelshark

Squatina australis Regan, 1906
Max Length
152 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
4
Depth
15–256 m
Climate
Temperate
Resilience
Low
Vulnerability
75.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
demersal

📖 Overview

A common but little-known angelshark found on the continental shelf and uppermost slope, on or near the bottom . Occurs from close inshore to 130 m depth . Feeds mainly on small fishes and crustaceans . Ovoviviparous . Flesh is highly esteemed .

Scientific Name
Squatina australis
Authority
Regan, 1906
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Temperate
Body Shape
Other
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
152 cm
Depth Range
15–256 m
Trophic Level
4
Resilience
Low
Vulnerability
75.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Anal spines: 0. Numerous dark spots on lower lobe of caudal fin . Pectoral fins greatly enlarged, with broad triangular lobe extending forward from their bases on either side of the gill slits; pelvic fins enlarged and wing-like; caudal very short, nearly symmetrical but not lunate, its lower lobe slightly longer than the upper .: other.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Australian angelshark is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

small fish
crustaceans
cephalopods

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Ovoviviparous

Ovoviviparous, embryos feed solely on yolk .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; demersal; depth range 15 - 256 m . Temperate; 18°S - 44°S, 113°E - 153°E South Wales).

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine ⬇️ Benthic
Trophic Level
4±0.66
Food Items

small fishes and crustaceans (Ref

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00661 × L3.07 (TL)
Max TL
152cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2015

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Low
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
75.00/100
High vulnerability
Trophic Level
4
Apex / Top predator
Body Shape
Other
Climate Zone
Temperate
Described By
Regan, 1906

⚠️ Venom Profile

Medical Warning: This species is venomous. Seek immediate medical attention if envenomated. Contact emergency services and follow first aid guidance below.
Venom Type
proteinaceous neurotoxin
Delivery
dorsal, anal, and pelvic fin spines
Potency
Severe
Mortality Risk
Low
Symptom Onset
5min
Duration
24.0hrs
Antivenom
✗ Not Available
Named Toxins
high-molecular-weight protein (Stonustoxin analogue) acetylcholine
Symptoms
  • immediate intense pain
  • swelling
  • erythema
  • occasional nausea and weakness
Affected Body Systems
peripheral nervous system cardiovascular
First Aid
Immerse affected area in hot water (45 C, tolerable) for 30-90 minutes to denature toxin. Do not apply ice.
Medical Treatment

Analgesia; wound care; tetanus prophylaxis; severe cases may require monitoring for systemic effects.

References: Compiled from Bhide (2018), Halstead et al. (1988) and family-specific envenomation literature

🌐 Names & Taxonomy

Language Common Names
🇬🇧English Angel Shark · Angel-shark · Australian Angel Shark · Australian Angle Shark [sic] · Australian angelfish · Monk-fish · Monkfish
🌍BUL Австралийски морски ангел
🌍CES polorejnok portjacksonský
🇩🇪German Australischer Engelhai
🇫🇮Finnish mosaiikkimerienkeli
🇫🇷French Ange de mer australien
🇮🇹Italian Squalo angelo australiano
🇯🇵Japanese オーストラリアカスザメ
🇳🇱Dutch Australische zee-engel
🇷🇺Russian Австралийская скватина · Австралийский морской ангел

🗺️ Global Occurrence Map

Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 4 records indexed .

Occurrence density from GBIF View GBIF records ↗

👥 Community & Contribute

Aquareap Community Observations
0 Observations logged on Aquareap

No observations yet - be the first to log one!

View all observations for Australian angelshark ↗
Suggest an Edit

Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.

Link to a scientific paper, FishBase, or other authoritative source
Report an Issue

Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.