Family Squatinidae

Angel Sharks

Angel Shark

Selected Characters: Body and head flattened; eyes on top of head; pectoral fins large; two dorsal fins; snout short; mouth wide.

These sharks are found nearly worldwide in temperate to tropical seas, usually in shallow water. There are 12 species in this family, one of which lives in Puget Sound. The Pacific Angel Shark grows to about 1.5 meters long. Like most angel sharks, this species lives at the bottom, where is feeds on fishes using its strong, protrusible jaws. It may bite humans when it feels threatened. This species is rare in Puget Sound.

Puget Sound Species

Squatina californica Pacific Angel Shark