Ocellated Angelshark

About the Ocellated Angelshark

The Ocellated Angelshark is a subtropical species which can only be in the Taiwan Straits, the South China Sea and the waters around northwestern Malaysia. Very little data exists for this shark as it is known only from two specimens, though it has been observed for sale at fish markets in Taiwan. It is not specifically targeted by fisheries but is retained as bycatch.

Ocellated Angelsharks are usually found at depths between 100 and 300m. The maximum length for a male is thought to be 85cm, though females may reach a total length of 100cm. Reproduction is ovoviviparous, which means eggs hatch inside the female and the pups continue to develop in the uterus until they are ready to be birthed.

The Ocellated Angelshark is categorised as Vulnerable by the ICUN due to the population decline of similar species, which has been up to 80% in areas where fisheries are in operation. The population of the Ocellated Angelshark may have been depleted by up to 50%.

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