Angel Shark Caught and Released in Cauayan
An unusual catch surprised an angler in Cauayan, Negros Occidental, when he hooked an angel shark. The angler quickly realized the rarity of the catch and released the fish back into the sea immediately.
Initially, the angler thought the object on his line was just a rock because it didn’t move at all. “Kinuha talaga namin from bottom hanggang taas hindi talaga gumagalaw,” he recalled. When lifted, it resembled a large stingray due to its wide fins that looked like wings.
This creature, known as an angel shark, weighed about 20 kilos. Its name comes from its broad fins that resemble angel wings, giving it a unique and captivating appearance.
Understanding the Angel Shark
Angel sharks belong to the family Squatinidae and are bottom dwellers, living mostly on the seabed. Their wide fins are perfectly suited for their ambush predator lifestyle. A local fisheries expert explained, “Ang kanilang malalapad na palikpik ay perfectly adapted sa kanilang ambush predator lifestyle.”
Despite their angelic look, angel sharks are fierce hunters. Their dorsal side has a sandy texture with spotted coloration, allowing them to blend seamlessly with the ocean floor. This camouflage helps them ambush prey effectively. “Dagdag pa ‘yung texture ng kanilang dorsal side na parang buhangin. Merong batik-batik na kulay na parang cryptic coloration para madali silang mag-blend sa buhanginan,” the expert added.
Conservation Status and Threats
Unfortunately, many angel shark species are critically endangered according to global conservation groups. Their vulnerability is due to several factors, including overfishing for their meat, fins, and liver oil, as well as high susceptibility to bottom trawling because of their seabed habitat.
Additionally, their slow reproductive rate and habitat loss caused by coastal development and pollution put more pressure on their populations.
Respecting Marine Life
Knowing the rarity and protected status of the angel shark, the angler chose to take only a photograph before releasing the fish back into the water. “Basta endangered, release agad,” he said, emphasizing the importance of conservation.
Encounters like this highlight the need to protect marine species and respect their habitats. The angel shark story from Cauayan serves as a reminder of the delicate balance in our oceans and the responsibility humans have to preserve it.
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