Fact File: Common Name(s): Monkfish or Angel Shark (others: Bellyfish; Frogfish; Sea Devil; Stargazer; Bulldog Shark; Goosefish) Scientific Name: Squatina squatina  (Linnaeus, 1758) Usual Size: Known to at least 183cm, although may reach 244cm. UK Record Weights from rod/line: Shore: Vacant Boat: 66lb MAFF Minimum Size: Shore: Boat:

Identification: A Compressed body - with the upper side a light sandy brown and the under side usually white Breeding: Ovoviviparous (egg layer) - eggs 6 to 8cm in diameter, with between 9 to 20 eggs - newly hatched size 20 to 30cm. Females mature at between 126 to 167cm Habitat: Shallow water dwelling shark and close inshore although found to depths of 150m. Prefers mud and sandy bottoms where the shark can bury itself to ambush prey. Food: Mostly flatfish, crustaceans (crabs) and molluscs. Range: Eastern North Atlantic to the Canary Islands - mainly inshore waters Additional Notes: Assumed to be the transitional species between sharks and rays. A powerful shark. REFERENCES: A Field Guide to The Sharks of British Coastal Waters - Vas 1991 FAO Species Catalogue 4 - Sharks of The World - Compagno Fishes of the North-Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean - Whitehead, Bauchot, Hureau, Nielsen, Tortonese Key to the Fishes of Northern Europe - Wheeler

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