The Pacific Angel Shark

The Pacific Angel Shark (Squatina californica) is a species of shark known for its flattened body and unique hunting behavior. Here are some key points about the Pacific Angel Shark:

Appearance

• Shape: Pacific Angel Sharks have a flattened body with wide pectoral fins that resemble angel wings, hence their name.
• Color: They are usually gray or brown with lighter colored spots or blotches, helping them blend into sandy or muddy bottoms where they are commonly found.
• Size: They typically grow up to about 1.5 meters (5 feet) in length, although larger individuals have been recorded.

Habitat

• Range: Pacific Angel Sharks are found along the eastern Pacific Ocean, from Alaska to the Gulf of California (Mexico).
• Environment: They prefer shallow coastal waters, typically residing on sandy or muddy bottoms from the intertidal zone down to depths of around 150 meters (500 feet).

Behavior and Diet

• Camouflage: Pacific Angel Sharks are ambush predators that rely on camouflage to ambush their prey. They bury themselves in the sand or mud, leaving only their eyes and spiracles exposed.
• Diet: They feed on a variety of fish and invertebrates such as crustaceans, squid, and small bony fish.

Reproduction

• Reproductive Strategy: Pacific Angel Sharks are ovoviviparous, meaning the embryos develop inside eggs within the mother’s body, and she gives birth to live young. A litter typically consists of 6-10 pups.

Conservation

• Status: The Pacific Angel Shark is listed as “Near Threatened” on the IUCN Red List due to overfishing and habitat degradation. They are particularly vulnerable to being caught as bycatch in bottom trawl fisheries.

Interaction with Humans

• Risk to Humans: Pacific Angel Sharks are generally not aggressive towards humans unless provoked. They are often encountered by divers but pose little danger if left undisturbed.

Interesting Facts

• Historical Importance: Pacific Angel Sharks have been historically important to indigenous cultures in some regions, used for food and in cultural practices.
• Population Trends: Population declines have been observed in some areas due to fishing pressures, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect their habitats.

Studying the Pacific Angel Shark helps researchers understand the ecological roles of sharks in coastal ecosystems and informs conservation strategies to ensure their survival in the wild.