First approach to the age and growth model of Pacific Angel shark Squatina californica in the Gulf of California, Mexico

Abstract

Pacific angel sharks, Squatina californica (Ayres, 1859), is a poorly known species that is classified as Near Threatened and inhabits coastal areas of the eastern Pacific. Although the species has a broad geographic range and is subject to multiple conservation pressures, fundamental knowledge about its population remains limited. To examine the age and growth of S. californica, a total of 74 specimens (35 females, 38 males and 1 unsexed) ranging from 49 to 100 cm in total length (TL), were collected between February 2018 and October 2023 from two fishing sites in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Multiple analytical approaches were applied to produce realistic growth parameter estimates. However, vertebral band counts were not reliable for age determination in this species. This study represents a first approach to model the age and growth of S. californica in the Gulf of California and offers a foundation for future research initiatives.