Ornate angelshark

The ornate angelshark (Squatina tergocellata) is an angelshark of the family Squatinidae endemic to southern Australia between latitudes 30°S and 35°S, at depths of 130–400 m (430–1,310 ft). It can reach lengths of up to 1.4 m (4.6 ft). Females tend to have a TL (total length) at 1150–1250 mm, while males range from a TL of 810–910 mm at sexual maturity. Reproduction is ovoviviparous, with two to nine pups per litter.[2]

Ornate angelshark
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Chondrichthyes
Order:	Squatiniformes
Family:	Squatinidae
Genus:	Squatina
Species:	S. tergocellata
Binomial name
Squatina tergocellata McCulloch, 1914
Range of ornate angelshark (in blue)

It appears that S. tergocellatahas a minimum gestation period of 6–12 months and parturition may occur biennially. Female ornate angelsharks have two ovaries, the right one contains less ovarian follicles than the left. During the spring season, the ovarian follicle was usually at its smallest point, after ovulation. However, the largest follicle was seen during autumn, right before ovulation. The follicle size could range anywhere from 1–68 mm.

The most common stomach contents were squid (Nototodarus gouldi) and fish (mainly Monacanthidae).

References

1. Kyne, P.M.; Walker, T.I. & Bennett, M.B. (2016). "Squatina tergocellata". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T41863A68645801. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T41863A68645801.en.
2. Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. (2006). "Squatina tergocellata" in FishBase. July 2006 version.

• Compagno, Dando, & Fowler, Sharks of the World, Princeton University Press, New Jersey 2005 ISBN 0-691-12072-2
• Bridge, Natalie F.; Mackay, Duncan; Newton, Gina (1998). "Biology of the ornate angel shark (Squatina tergocellata) from the Great Australian Bight". Marine and Freshwater Research. 49 (7): 679–686. doi:10.1071/mf97075. ISSN 1448-6059.