The Angel Shark (Squatina squatina ) Jared Koga

Angel Shark Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Chondrichthyes Order: Squatiniformes Family: Squatinidae Genus: Squatina Species: californica

Angel Shark (size) Maximum length of the Pacific angelshark is 60" (152 cm) with a maximum reported age of 35 years. Weights can reach up to 60 pounds (27 kg). Males reach maturity at lengths of 30-31" (75-80 cm) After approximately 8 years of life, while females mature at slightly larger lengths of 35-39" (90-100 cm), usually around 13 years of age.

Angel Shark benthic (bottom dweller) It buries itself in sand or mud bottoms during the day, coming out to actively search for food at night. It is often found on the continental shelf, near rocks, canyons and kelp forests .

Angel Shark(eating habits) The Pacific angel shark feeds on bony fishes including croakers, flatfish, corbina, blacksmith, hake, peppered shark and halibut. It is also eats invertebrates such as crustaceans and mollusks.

Angel Shark (facts) Uses camouflage to surprise its victims. When a prey item comes within reach, the angel shark uses a quick ambush attack and devours its target. Litter can reach from 1-13.

Angel Shark (human impact) In the mid 1980s, the Pacific angelshark became part of a developing fishery, becoming an important food shark. It is commercially caught with gillnets and recreationally caught by divers and sportfishers with spears.