The Monkfish (Squatina squatina) can grow to at least 183cm.
Identification[]
A Compressed body - with the upper side a light sandy brown and the under side usually white.
NB Fishmongers often offer Anglerfish (Lophius piscatorius) tails for sale as "monkfish", which has sometimes resulted in confusion.
Breeding[]
Ovoviviparous (egg layer) - eggs 6 to 8cm in diameter, with between 9 to 20 eggs - newly hatched size 20 to 30cm. Females mature at between 126 to 167cm.
Habitat[]
Shallow water dwelling shark and close inshore although found to depths of 150m. Prefers mud and sandy bottoms where the shark can bury itself to ambush prey.
Food[]
Mostly flatfish, crustaceans (crabs) and molluscs.
Range[]
Eastern North Atlantic to the Canary Islands - mainly inshore waters.
Additional Notes[]
Assumed to be the transitional species between sharks and rays. A powerful shark.
References[]
The Aquarium Project