Angel sharks (Squatinidae) fish profile and information / pictures of Angel sharks - Squatinidae

Angel sharks information and info on the Squatinidae -> Squatiniformes  also known as Angel sharks

Angel sharks are quite unusual sharks with flattened bodies and broad pectoral fins, because of these they have a strong resemblance to rays. The more than 16 known species are in the genus Squatina, the only genus in its family, Squatinidae, and order Squatiniformes.

They occur worldwide in temperate and tropical seas. Most species inhabit shallow temperate or tropical seas, but one species inhabits deeper water, down to 1,300 metres (4,300 ft).

While the front part of the angel shark's body is broad and flattened, the rear part still has the muscular appearance more typical of other sharks.

The spiracles and eyes are on top, and the angel shark has five gill slits are underneath.

Both the pectorals and the pelvic fins of the angel shark are large and held horizontally. There are two dorsal fins, no anal fin, the lower lobe of the caudal fin is longer than the upper lobe (Unusual for sharks).

Most angel sharks grow to a length of 1.5 m (5 ft), with the Japanese angel shark, known to reach 2 m.

Angel sharks possess extensible jaws that can rapidly snap upwards to capture prey, and have long, needle-like teeth. They bury themselves in sand or mud lying in wait for prey, which includes fish, crustaceans, and various types of mollusks.

They are ovoviviparous, producing litters of up to 13 pups.