Pacific angel shark (Squatina californica)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Squatina californica
- Common name
- Pacific angel shark
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Squatinidae
- Genus
- Squatina
- Size
- 90–152 cm
- Depth
- 3–200 m
- IUCN status
- Near threatened (NT)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- sandy-bottom
- Behaviours
- benthic, nocturnal
- Ocean zones
- Eastern Pacific
Description
Squatina californica reaches 1.52 m. Angel shark (Squatinidae) East Pacific temperate to tropical from Alaska to Chile with very flattened ray-like body beige to speckled sand-gray, large rounded pectoral fins like angel wings, dorsal eyes and spiracles, ventral mouth. Lives from 3 to 200 m buried in sand or on sandy bottoms. Explosive ambush predator, lunges to seize fish and cephalopods passing overhead. IUCN Near Threatened (overfishing). Trophy dive photo subject at Sea of Cortez, Channel Islands, California. Spotting challenge.
Photo of Pacific angel shark
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Pacific angel shark?
- Pacific angel shark (Squatina californica) reaches 90–152 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Pacific angel shark?
- Pacific angel shark is found between 3–200 m deep.
- Is the Pacific angel shark dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Pacific angel shark?
- IUCN status: Near threatened (NT).
- Where can you find the Pacific angel shark?
- Found in: Eastern Pacific.
Other species in the genus Squatina
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 271667)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2417794)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia