A review of the systematics of western North Pacific angel sharks, genus Squatina, with redescriptions of Squatina formosa, S. japonica, and S. nebulosa (Chondrichthyes: Squatiniformes, Squatinidae).
Author
Jonathan H. Walsh
Author
David A. Ebert
text
Zootaxa
2007
1551
31
47
http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:DD00E8E3-2C28-41A8-A401-E0D00DA325B9
journal article
z01551p031
DD00E8E3-2C28-41A8-A401-E0D00DA325B9
Genus
Squatina
Dumeril
, 1806
Squatina
Dumeril
, 1806
: 102, 342. Type
Squalus squatina Linneaus 1758
, by subsequent designation.
Rhina Rafinesque 1810
: 4. Type
Squalus squatina Linneaus 1758
, type by monotypy.
Definition. Broad, flattened body with large bat-like pectoral fins. Mouth terminal, broadly arched with ornate nasal flaps and highly protrusible jaws. Spiracles large, without valves. Pectoral fins not fused to head, origin opposite gill openings. Anterior extent of pectorals triangular and covering gill openings. Five pairs of gill openings positioned between pectoral origin and base of the head. Trunk compressed dorsal-ventrally. Two dorsal fins, spineless, originating behind pelvic fin insertion on the precaudal. Anal fin absent. Furrow on ventral from dorsal origin to caudal peduncle. Caudal fin hypocercal. Total length, depending on species, generally between 1-2 m.