Pacific angel shark  (Squatina californica)

Description

Superficially, the Pacific angel shark resembles a large ray more than a shark, due to its remarkably flat body and huge, wing-like pectoral fins. Its skin is pale beige, scattered with dense small, brown spots, offering perfect camouflage in sandy habitats (3). Small spines that are prominent in young sharks on the back and tail are small or absent on adults. Fleshy projections (nasal barbels) with broad, flat tips, hang down near the nostrils, and are used to taste and feel. The large head is concave between the eyes (2) (4).

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