Squatina californica
Average Length – 5ft
The body of a Pacific Angelshark is broad and flattened, their posterior part is more muscular which is more typical of other sharks.
They have extensible jaws that can rapidly snap upward to capture their prey.
Like other Angelsharks, they have long needle-like teeth.
They inhabit the southeastern corner of Alaska to the gulf of California but are most common off of central and southern California.
They prefer habitats that are close to the shore, soft, and flat. They can sometimes be found near rocky reefs and kelp forests.
They prefer habitats that are close to the shore, soft, and flat. They can sometimes be found near rocky reefs and kelp forests.
Primarily bony fish, however, during the Winter and Spring, Squid are abundant and become their primary source of food.
They are nocturnal, actively seeking prey at night and they remain hidden under the sand motionless during the daytime.
When they find a successful ambush spot, they will sometimes stay there for as long as ten days, just reburying itself after it strikes its prey.
Like other Angelsharks, they are not dangerous to humans unless provoked.
When they find a successful ambush spot, they will sometimes stay there for as long as ten days, just reburying itself after it strikes its prey.
Like other Angelsharks, they are not dangerous to humans unless provoked.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed this species to be Near Threatened.
Oceana.org contains some more great information on these fun Sharks!
