Revisiting the sawback angelshark (Squatina aculeata Cuvier, 1829): new insights on distribution, morphology, and conservation in the Central Mediterranean Sea

The sawback angelshark (Squatina aculeata Cuvier, 1829) is a critically endangered species in the Mediterranean Sea, facing severe population decline due to overfishing and bycatch. This study provides biomolecular and morphological analyses of a specimen captured off Avola, in the eastern part of Sicily. A female individual of 144.7 cm in total length was caught at a depth of 16 m and was identified through an integrative taxonomy approach. Morphometric assessments revealed a positive allometric growth pattern (TW = 0.1156 ∙ TL2.4728; R2 = 0.8913). The sparids’ remains found in the stomach confirm the feeding behavior characteristic of angelsharks. Additionally, vertebral band analysis suggested an estimated birth total length of approximately 21.8 cm. The study highlights the possible presence of breeding and nursery areas in the central Mediterranean, underlining the need for enhanced conservation efforts and developing a coordinated Mediterranean monitoring network to improve the knowledge and protection of this vulnerable species.