Hidden angelshark

The hidden angelshark (Squatina occulta) is a species of angelshark that was named by Carolus Maria Vooren and Kleber Grübel da Silva in 1991. It inhabits the Atlantic coastline of South America from southern Brazil to Argentina.^[2] Hidden angel sharks grow up to 124 cm in length and are ovoviviparous, meaning the embryos develop inside eggs that remain inside the mother's body until they are ready to hatch.^[3][4]

Hidden angelshark
Conservation status
Critically Endangered  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Chondrichthyes
Subclass:	Elasmobranchii
Division:	Selachii
Order:	Squatiniformes
Family:	Squatinidae
Genus:	Squatina
Species:	S. occulta
Binomial name
Squatina occulta Vooren & K. G. da Silva, 1991

Size

This species reaches a length of 120 cm (47 in).^[5]

Differences

The hidden angelshark differs from other species of angelshark due to the size of its neurocranial measurements. Its rostral region is considerably short compared to its counterparts. Its neurocraniam is its widest at the outer corners of its nasal capsules and post-orbital processes. The hidden angelshark's configuration is very similar to that of a ray, the one major difference is the shark's gills, which lie edgewise of the head. ^[6]

Residence

Although there are many speculations as to where this species resides, studies show they are found in Puerto Quequén, Necochea, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina.