Angel Shark Kimberly Francis Scientific: Squatina squatina.

Angel Shark

Kimberly FrancisScientific:  Squatina squatina

They are found in Eastern Pacific Ocean from Alaska to the Gulf of California and Costa Rica.

The Pacific Angel Shark is endangered.

Distinctive Features: Flattened with a terminally mouth at the tip of nose/snout.Fins are broad, Eyes are Circular.

Size: Max length is 60’’ Age: Max age is 35 yearsWeight: Max weight is 60 lbs

Food: fish such as croakers, flatfish, corbina, blacksmith, hake, peppered shark, and halibut. Also invertebrates like crustaceans and mollusks.

Reproduction: •Occurs in early summer•Hatches eggs•No placenta

Predators:White Shark.

Conservation:The Angel Shark is currently ranked as “lower risk” by the World Conservation Union (IUCN)

IMPORTANCE TO HUMANS

The sharks flesh is sold fresh and frozen for human consumption

DANGER TO HUMANSThe Angel Shark is a bottom dweller and seems harmless.

The shark has very sharp teeth that could inflict a lot of pain if you are bitten.

It may bite a diver if the diver approaches its head or grabs it tail.

The Angel Shark has similar characteristics to a stingray.

The mouth and head of the shark

The mouth of the Angel Shark

Side View

Angel Shark Front view