The Angel Shark (Squatina californica) has a flat
gray body with olive blotches and large pectoral fins that
look like wings. They live on the sandy bottom of the ocean
offshore, in bays, and along the fringe of kelp forests. The
camoflage type of coloring allows the angel shark to prey
on other fish by burying itself in the sand and ambushing
them as they swim by. They eat small fish and squid, and can
inflict a painful bite if surprised or harassed (though not
so dangerous to people). The female angel shark lays an egg
case that is called a mermaid's purse because it looks like
a little drawstring purse.
The Atlantic angel shark ranges from a bluish-gray to an
ashy-gray in color with a white underside. The head and portions
of the fins have a reddish hue. There is a red spot located
on both the throat and abdomen. These spots are arranged in
an irregular fashion and may also be present over the entire
dorsal side. This varied and seemingly sporadic coloring helps
to camouflage this species when it is buried within the sea
The adult Atlantic angel shark is relatively small, typically
ranging from 3 to 4 feet (91-122 cm) in length, although occasionally
reaching 6 feet (about 183 cm). Maturity is attained at 35-41in
or (90-105 cm).
This species resides along the Atlantic Coast of North America,
ranging from Massachusetts to the Florida Keys and the Gulf
of Mexico. The Atlantic angel shark is also found in parts
of the Caribbean and northern South America (Columbia).
The Angel shark is considered a bottom dweller. It can generally
be located buried in sand or mud at the ocean floor. In the
northern areas of its distribution, this shark dwells in swallow
water while found in deeper water (420 feet/ 128 meters) in
its southern range.