Most sharks hunt for food by chasing down prey down and slicing the victims to bits. Not the angel shark. This fish's flat body and dull brown color enable it to lurk on the ocean floor and launch a surprise attack. This creature likes to hide in the sandy seabed and spring out at an unsuspecting victim. That's when this shark becomes the "angel of death."
Death Trap: An angel shark's teeth are small, but this hunter has several rows of these sharp weapons. When the shark bites down on prey, the ensuing struggle impales the victim even further.
Angel Wings: Wide pectoral fins make up the bulk of this shark's body and help it glide gracefully near the ocean floor. These fins look like wings, which gave the angel shark its name.
It's No Angel[]
Thick gloves protect this diver from a shark bite.
The angel shark hunts constantly and goes after prey in two different ways. During the night, this predator swims near the ocean floor and searches for crabs, lobsters and other small creatures with touch-sensitive barbels under its nostrils. During the day, it turns into an ambush hunter. It buries itself partially in the sand so it's hidden from view. When a fish or squid swims near, the angel shark bursts from its hiding spot with a boost from its tail and devours the victim.
Take a Breath: Most sharks have to swim continuously to keep water flowing through their gills. The angel shark, however, has two openings called spiracles behind its eyes that suck water in when the animal rests on the seabed.
Spiked Look: Instead of scales, a shark's skin is covered by tooth-like denticles. The angel shark's denticles are long and spiky near its tail and the sharp edges of it fins discourage predators from taking a bite.
Do Not Disturb[]
- A curious diver notices an animal buried in the sand and moves in for a close encounter. Thinking that the creature is probably just a stingray, the diver pokes it to see how the hidden creature reacts.
- Unhappy about being disturbed, the angel shark blasts out from the sand. Before the diver can pull away, the shark bites into his hand, piercing his skin with rows of its small, sharp teeth. The diver will survive, but now knows to let sleeping sharks lie.
Trading Card[]
Trivia[]
- The species featured in the main illustration is likely Squatina squatina.