Western Angelshark

About the Western Angelshark

Western Angelsharks are a poorly known species that are endemic to the northern part of Western Australia in the western central Pacific Ocean and eastern Indian Ocean at depths between 150 to 312 m.

Biology and Behaviour

Western angelsharks have a vertically compressed body with large triangular pectoral fins that extend forward. They have a  broad head that extends laterally. They light brown in colour and can grow up to 114 cm long. Males mature at 75 cm long. 

There is not a lot of information of the biology of western angelsharks. 

Reproduction and Lifespan

Little is known about the reproduction and lifespan of western angelsharks.

Conservation and Tourism

The IUCN lists western angelsharks as least concern. There are some areas of Western Australia’s North Coast Bioregion that are closed to trawl fishing through spatial management arrangements and since 2009, there has been a decrease of the quota from the Pilbara Fish Trawl Fishery.

Do you have images or videos of Western Angelsharks?
Submit them to [email protected].