Taiwan angleshark

📖 Overview

Taiwan angleshark (Squatina formosa), first described by Shen & Ting, 1972 is a large fish in the family Squatinidae (order Squatiniformes). Adults typically reach 55.40 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 183 to 220 metres. It occurs in Deep-water waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Endangered.The species is venomous and potentially dangerous to handle and a species of conservation concern.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 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 .: other.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Taiwan angleshark is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

Ovoviviparous, embryos feed solely on yolk .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; bathydemersal; depth range 183 - 220 m . Deep-water; 24°N - 22°N, 120°E - 121°E North Western Pacific: East coast of Taiwan and Ryuku Islands to SE Japan to Izu Peninsula (Ref.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

⚠️ Venom Profile

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

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

🗺️ Global Occurrence Map

Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .

👥 Community & Contribute