Sharks of Gibraltar
All species
Angel Shark

Angel Shark

Squatina squatina

Moderately aggressive

A flattened, ray-like ambush predator that lies buried in sandy seabeds.

Maximum size

1.2–2.1 m

Aggressiveness

Moderately aggressive

Habitat

Sandy and muddy bottoms on the continental shelf, 5–150 m deep, throughout the Strait.

Ecology

Critically endangered across most of its range; the Strait of Gibraltar remains one of the few strongholds.

Feeding

Ambush predator, lunging upward to seize fish, crustaceans and cephalopods passing overhead.

Behaviour

Solitary and nocturnal. Spends daylight hours buried in sediment with only eyes and spiracles exposed.

Safety notes for visitors

Risk to swimmers: LowRisk to divers: Low–moderateEncounter likelihood: Uncommon

Species-specific: Will bite if stepped on or harassed by divers — shuffle your feet in shallow sandy areas and never grab the tail.

If you encounter one

  • Stay calm and keep the animal in view — most encounters are brief and curious.
  • Do not corner, chase, touch or feed the shark.
  • Move steadily toward the boat or shore without sudden movements.
  • Reel in any speared fish and exit the water if the shark persists.

General visitor guidance

  • Swim, snorkel and dive in groups and stay close to the shore or your boat.
  • Avoid dawn, dusk and night — visibility is low and many sharks are most active.
  • Do not enter the water with open wounds or near fishing activity, bait or chum.
  • Remove shiny jewellery and avoid high-contrast clothing that can resemble prey.
  • If sharks are reported locally, follow guidance from Gibraltar Port Authority and lifeguards.

Conservation status

IUCN: Critically Endangered.

Sources & Citations

Data compiled from peer-reviewed and authoritative open sources. Last reviewed 2026.