Description: This shark has a flattened body with large pectoral fins, and reaches up to 1.8 m (some sources say 2.4 m) in length. It is grey, greenish to red-brown in colour overall, with many white and dark brown to black spots and blotches. The head is broad and there are two large round eyes, and nasal barbels beside the nostrils. Usually buried in sandy or muddy sediment during the day with only its eyes visible, and often actively swimming at night.

Habitat: Sandy, gravelly or muddy sediment from 5 m down to 150 m or more.

Distribution: Historically reported as common around Britain and Ireland it is now extremely rare due to intense fishing pressures. Currently listed as Critically Endangered (IUCN). Few modern records from Britain and Ireland. Most recent record from island of Ireland is 2023 from Galway which was first in almost 20 years.

Similar Species: Unlikely to be confused with any other species.

Key Identification Features:

• Large, flattened, ray-like shark.
• Two large round eyes.
• Nasal barbels.
• Large pectoral fins.

Distribution Map from NBN: Squatina squatina at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Squatina squatina at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Squatina squatina

WoRMS: Squatina squatina at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Squatina squatina (Linnaeus, 1758). AphiaID: 105928.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Chordata; Vertebrata; Gnathostomata; Chondrichthyes; Elasmobranchii; Neoselachii; Selachii; Squalomorphi; Squatiniformes; Squatinidae; Squatina