How to Identify Pacific Angelshark

To identify Pacific Angelshark (Squatina californica), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

flat

Coloration

Dorsal surface is typically mottled brown, gray, or reddish-brown with darker spots and blotches, providing excellent camouflage against sandy or muddy bottoms. Ventral surface is white.

Scale type

placoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Flattened, ray-like body with broad, wing-like pectoral fins that are not fused to the head., Two small dorsal fins located far back on the tail., Large, upward-facing spiracles behind the eyes., Terminal mouth with sharp, conical teeth., Absence of an anal fin., Prominent dermal folds on the sides of the head, often with small, fringed barbels.

Dorsal fin

Two small, spineless dorsal fins located on the posterior part of the caudal peduncle, close to the tail.

Tail fin

Asymmetrical, with the upper lobe slightly larger than the lower lobe.

Pectoral fin

Large, broad, and flattened, giving the shark its ray-like appearance. They are distinct from the head, unlike true rays.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are also broad and flattened, positioned anterior to the dorsal fins.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for the distinctly flattened, ray-like body with broad pectoral fins that are separate from the head.

2. 2

   Coloration

   Observe the mottled brown/gray/reddish-brown dorsal coloration with darker spots and blotches, which aids in camouflage.

3. 3

   Dorsal Fins

   Note the two small dorsal fins located far back on the tail, a key feature distinguishing it from true rays.

4. 4

   Spiracles

   Identify the large, prominent spiracles located behind the eyes, used for breathing while buried.

5. 5

   Mouth

   The mouth is terminal (at the front of the head) and contains numerous small, sharp teeth.

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