Fin's Fish Guide
The Angel shark (Squatina californica) is a saltwater fish of the family Squatinidae that grows up to 152 cm.
Eastern Pacific; sand and mud bottoms of the continental shelf and coastal areas.
Description
The Pacific angelshark is a remarkable shark of the angelshark family (Squatinidae) from the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 1.5 metres and has a strongly flattened, ray-like body with broad pectoral fins, but is a true shark. It lives on the continental shelf and in coastal areas and is sluggish and inactive: by day it lies buried in sand or mud. As an ambush predator it darts up suddenly to seize passing fishes, squid and crustaceans with its large mouth. Owing to fishing the species is listed as Near Threatened (NT). It is not aggressive but can snap defensively at great speed; keep clear.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Angel shark?
The Angel shark has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Strongly flattened, ray-like body; ambush shark that buries itself and suddenly snaps.
Where does the Angel shark live?
The Angel shark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific; sand and mud bottoms of the continental shelf and coastal areas.
How big does the Angel shark get?
The Angel shark grows to a maximum of about 152 cm.
Is the Angel shark dangerous to humans?
The Angel shark can cause injury; handle it with care. Not venomous, but a shark with sharp teeth that can snap defensively at great speed; keep clear of a caught or resting shark. Clean any bite wound and seek medical care if it becomes infected.
Is the Angel shark edible?
The Angel shark is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Squatina
More from the family Squatinidae
Want the complete picture on the Angel shark?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Angel shark is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone