The Angular Roughshark, which is also known as the Flatiron Shark, the Hogfish, or the Humantin, is undoubtedly the most bizarre and unique shark living in the deep waters of the Mediterranean. It belongs to the Oxynotidae family, and its appearance does not resemble that of typical sharks at all. The body is exceptionally high and short with a triangular transverse section that gives the impression of being compressed from the sides. Its skin is extremely rough, covered with large, hard dermal denticles, which have earned it the nickname "Urchin Cat".

The most characteristic feature consists of two large dorsal fins that resemble sails or humps, each carrying a strong, protruding spine. The head is small and flattened with a snout that resembles a pig's and large nostrils. This leads to the common regional names of Pig Shark or Pigfish. While it is sometimes confused by name with the Spiny Dogfish, it is completely different in morphology.

It is a benthic shark that lives and moves slowly near the seabed. It prefers the deep waters of the continental shelf and the slope, usually at depths from 60 to 660 metres. It is found mainly on muddy or sandy bottoms, where it can search for food, and in areas with coralligenous formations.

Fisheries & Economic Value

It has no commercial value and is not consumed by humans because the meat is considered low quality. It is caught exclusively as bycatch by bottom trawlers and longlines operating at great depths. It is usually discarded at sea, but unfortunately, its survival rate after capture is low. In the past, its rough skin was used for polishing wooden objects.