The Sand Devil (Squatina dumeril), also known as the Atlantic angel shark, is a bottom-dwelling species found primarily along the western Atlantic, from the northeastern United States to the Gulf of Mexico. Characterized by its flattened body and broad pectoral fins, it resembles a ray and is adapted for ambush predation on sandy or muddy seafloors. Commercial fishing for Sand Devil is relatively limited compared to other shark species, as it is often caught as bycatch in trawl and gillnet fisheries rather than being a targeted species. The primary countries where Sand Devil is harvested include the United States, particularly in the mid-Atlantic and Gulf regions, and Mexico, where it may be landed incidentally in fisheries targeting other demersal species. While not a major commercial species, the Sand Devil is occasionally used for its meat and sometimes for bait, but concerns over the vulnerability of angel sharks to overfishing have led to increased monitoring and, in some regions, protective measures.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.