Squatina

Squatina 

(monkfish, or angel sharks), the only genus of the family Squatinidae. Monkfish resemble rays in that they have extremely flattened bodies; large, broad pectoral fins; and eyes on the upper part of the head. This resemblance may be explained by the fishes’ similar ways of life. The gill slits, as in all sharks, are on the sides of the body, in front of the pectoral fins. There are 11 species, distributed in moderately warm and subtropical waters of all oceans. Monkfish are not encountered in the tropics. They live on the sea bottom, often in shallows, and sometimes burrow into the sand. The largest species is Squatina squatina, which is up to 2.4 m long and weighs up to 72 kg. Other species are considerably smaller (0.6-1.5 m.). Monkfish feed on small benthic fishes, sea urchins, mollusks, and crabs. They are viviparous and bear ten to 25 young. The commercial value of monkfish is minor.