---
title: "Zee-engel"
description: "Squatina squatina — Vissen. Squatina squatina, known as the common angelshark, is a species of shark in the family Squatinidae (known generally also as angel sharks), that were once widespread in the coastal waters of the northeastern Atlantic Ocean."
canonical: https://animalchecklist.com/nl/animal/angelshark
last_updated: 2026-09-20
---

# Zee-engel

> Squatina squatina — Vissen. Squatina squatina, known as the common angelshark, is a species of shark in the family Squatinidae (known generally also as angel sharks), that were once widespread in the coastal waters of the northeastern Atlantic Ocean.

- Scientific name: *Squatina squatina*
- Category: `fish` (Vissen)
- Habitats: `sea` (Zee en kust)
- iNaturalist observations: 1443
- Wikidata: [Q578842](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q578842)
- iNaturalist taxon: [113064](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/113064)

## Names

- en: Angelshark
- de: Meerengel
- es: Angelote
- fr: Ange de mer commun
- nl: Zee-engel
- pl: Raszpla zwyczajna

## Countries with the most observations

ES (1404), FR (5), HR (3)

## Summary

Squatina squatina, known as the common angelshark, is a species of shark in the family Squatinidae (known generally also as angel sharks), that were once widespread in the coastal waters of the northeastern Atlantic Ocean. Well-adapted for camouflaging itself on the sea floor, the angelshark has a flattened form with enlarged pectoral and pelvic fins, giving it a superficial resemblance to a ray. This species can be identified by its broad and stout body, conical barbels, thornless back (in larger individuals), and grayish or brownish dorsal coloration with a pattern of numerous small light and dark markings (that…

Text: Wikipedia (en), CC BY-SA 4.0 — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squatina_squatina

## Photo

![Zee-engel](https://animalchecklist.com/img/animals/angelshark/medium.jpg)

Photo: Andra Waagmeester · CC0 · inaturalist — https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/350919625

## Machine access

`GET https://animalchecklist.com/api/v1/animals/angelshark?lang=nl` — see [openapi.json](https://animalchecklist.com/openapi.json).