When we think of sharks, images of powerful predators like great whites and hammerheads often come to mind. But the angular roughshark (Oxynotus centrina) challenges those preconceived notions. This peculiar shark, found in the eastern Atlantic from Norway to South Africa and the Mediterranean Sea, is a far cry from its imposing relatives.
With a flat head, wide-set eyes, and a distinctive pink snout, the angular roughshark is often nicknamed the “pig fish.” This moniker is attributed to a peculiar grunting sound it emits when brought out of water. Imagine a shark with a face reminiscent of a pig, complete with a short, blunt snout and massive nostrils! These unusual features are adaptations for their lifestyle, spending most of their time near the seabed hunting for food. Their slow, methodical movements allow them to vacuum up prey like fish, crustaceans, molluscs, marine worms, and even the eggs of other sharks.
The angular roughshark’s appearance is further enhanced by its thick, gray-brown body and two large dorsal fins resembling sails. It also boasts a unique feature among sharks: its dermal denticles, the tooth-like structures covering its skin, are particularly large and pronounced, giving it a fuzzy appearance. Although the exact purpose of these enlarged denticles remains unknown, scientists believe they might serve as protection against larger predators.
Beyond its bizarre features, the angular roughshark is a skilled hunter. Equipped with sharp, blade-like lower teeth for slicing flesh and conical upper teeth for spearing slippery prey, it efficiently catches and consumes its meals. Recent research has revealed an interesting aspect of their diet: they also feed on the eggs of other sharks. This discovery was confirmed by finding shark embryos in the stomachs of wild roughsharks and by observing a captive individual exclusively consuming elasmobranch eggs.
Despite their unique characteristics, the angular roughshark faces threats to its survival. Their large dorsal fins and spines make them vulnerable to accidental capture in fishing nets, leading to significant bycatch. Consequently, they are listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect this fascinating and unusual species.
