angel shark

Angel sharks, belonging to the genus Squatina, are a type of shark characterized by their flattened bodies and wing-like pectoral and pelvic fins, which give them a resemblance to rays. They are found in tropical and warm temperate oceans on continental shelves worldwide.1

These sharks consume fish and bottom-dwelling invertebrates, often lying in wait on sandy bottoms to ambush prey. Angel sharks can grow up to 2.5 meters (6.25 feet) in length.1

Unfortunately, many angel shark populations are in decline due to recreational fishing, unintentional capture in commercial fishing nets (bycatch), and habitat degradation. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified many angel shark species as endangered or critically endangered, with more than half of all known species facing these threats by 2020.12