Squatina californica

Order: Squatiniformes

Sometimes called the monkfish because of the supposed resemblance of the shape of its head to a monk’s hood, the Pacific angel shark is a bottom-dwelling fish that buries itself in sandy or muddy seabeds by day. Its distinctive flattened shape and excellent camouflage allows it to hide itself from unsuspecting prey, which it ambushes as they swim nearby.

Like many sharks with a flattened body shape, the angel shark is often mistaken for a ray or skate. Although they are quite separate groups, sharks and rays are nonetheless closely related and share many important characteristics, including a cartilaginous skeleton.

Maximum size: 150cm / 27kg.

Distribution: Eastern Pacific ocean, in coastal waters of the Americas.

Diet: Mostly bony fishes, although it also eats squid, octopus and crustaceans.

Reproduction: Viviparous. Litters between one and twelve pups.