FOR AGES 3 YEARS TO 18 YEARS
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There are about 15 species of shark from the single genus Squatina that are included as angel sharks. The Atlantic angel shark (Squatina dumeril) is one of many species in the family of angel sharks. They are also known as the sand devil. They are named after its distribution throughout the North Atlantic ocean. They are the second most scariest shark in the family of sharks. The natural habitat of Atlantic angel sharks is deep ocean floors. They are distributed throughout temperate and tropical coastal waters. However, most areas of these ambush hunters remain unexamined especially those living in great depths. Various organizations have conducted surveys in some particular areas throughout their marine range. They were found commonly around 50 years back. At present many angel sharks have become endangered. Fortunately, the Atlantic ones do not fall under this category. If you are interested to know more, then continue reading these amazing facts about this shark.
For similar content check out blacktip reef shark facts and sawback angelshark facts too.
The Atlantic angel shark (Squatina dumeril) is a species of angel shark and is also commonly referred to as the sand devil.
The Atlantic angel sharks of the family Squatinidae belong to the class Chondrichthyes, which is the common class of all cartilaginous fish.
Angel sharks are bottom-dwelling fishes residing at great depths. As a result, their total population has not been determined. Fishing these species is also prohibited in many areas of US waters.
The Atlantic angel shark (Squatina dumeril) species is commonly available in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean. Their range extends from the Atlantic coast of the United States from southern New England in the north to the Florida Keys in the South, including Massachusetts, Maryland, Virginia, New York, and North and South Carolina. They are also found in abundance throughout the Gulf of Mexico, like in Alabama, Texas, and the Mexican coast. From there, the shark extends into the Caribbean and South American countries like Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Jamaica. In the South, it becomes difficult to differentiate their range from other species of angel sharks.
The Atlantic angel shark resides near the bottom around the continental shelf at depths ranging between 300-820 ft (90-250 m) in the winter and fall season. They can reach a maximum depth of 4230 ft (1290 m). The species also show migratory behavior in the summer. During this time, they move to shallower water near the shore at depths less than 115 ft (350 m). The sand devil often remains buried inside sand or mud.
Sharks are generally solitary species. They live alone at great depths and conduct solitary hunting expeditions. Even the juvenile fish lives alone after a few days of its birth.
Marine science has failed in estimating the age of the species of Atlantic Angel shark. The species growth bands do not conduct correct information as they are poorly calcified. However, it is believed that they live 8.25 years like the Squatina guggenheim.
The Atlantic angel shark (Squatina dumeril) species follow the mode of aplacental viviparous reproduction. In the female shark, only the left ovary is functional. Females lay pups between June or July. After a gestation period of 12 months, they can give birth to a minimum of four and a maximum of 25 pups.
The fish occurs in its range as bycatch in trawl fisheries. They are listed as species of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. They are protected throughout the US waters and are now less victimized by fisheries for fishing. As a result, their population is either stable or growing.
*Please note this is not an image of Atlantic angel shark.
The body looks flattened with loose pectoral fins and pelvic fins. The fins are extended to the sides of the head into the skin that can be folded. The eyes are located on top of the head. They have a wide mouth in the front and broad pectoral fins. A triangular lobe separates the pectoral fins from the head. The anal fin is absent in these sharks, while the dorsal fins start from the back of the body. The jaws contain 10 upper and nine lower teeth. The color of the shark varies between gray or brown, with a red spot on the throat and abdomen. The dorsal side of the species is bluish-gray in color.
The appearance of the Atlantic angel shark is not very appealing or cute. Other sharks have more distinguished features than angel sharks.
A shark cannot make any noise. They communicate with each other using different body language, like opening their jaws or nodding their head.
The Atlantic angel shark (Squatina dumeril) length varies between 4.3-4.9 ft (1.3-1.5 m). They are few feet less in length than the species of nurse sharks.
Sharks generally prefer to swim slow underwater. They only swim fast over short bursts while attacking prey. The exact speed is not determined.
The sand devils or the Atlantic angel sharks have a minimum weight of 35 lb (16 kg).
The male and the female do not have any specific names. Both of them are called Atlantic angel sharks.
The babies of angel sharks are called pups.
The Atlantic angel shark is a predator species and not preyed upon. These bottom-dwelling sharks prey primarily on small fishes like butterfish, croakers, and goatfishes. Some secondary prey of the shark includes squid, shrimp, bivalves, and crabs.
The species is not aggressive towards humans and causes no harm unless they are provoked.
Sharks are not suitable as pets as they are wild animals.
The Atlantic angel shark has spines on its body. These spines help in gripping during copulation.
Atlantic angel shark bites are very painful because of their long teeth. They will only attack humans when they are provoked. As of now, no records of unprovoked human attacks by the shark have been listed. However, while handling them, care should be taken.
Once found in abundance, the angel sharks are currently endangered throughout many regions of their range. The primary reason why they have become highly endangered is commercial fishing. These bottom-dwelling fishes have high chances of being caught by trawl fisheries as bycatch. These species became recognized as endangered collectively in 2016.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other fish including requiem shark facts, or basking shark facts.
You can even occupy yourself at home by drawing one on our atlantic angel shark coloring pages.
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
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