Animal Spotlight: Pacific Angelshark

The pacific angelshark (Squatina Californica) is a bottom dwelling-shark belonging to the family Squatinidae. It has a handful of common names, most notably 'monk fish', which refers to the shape of its head that resembles a monk's hood. The pacific angelshark was first described by American physician and ichthyologist, William Orville Aryes in the year 1859.



Description
The pacific angelshark may resemble a ray. However, it has 5 pairs of gill sides located on the side of its head rather than underneath. It has a flattened body and large pectoral fins that aren't totally attached to its body. It also has a large mouth in front and a pair of cone-shaped barbels. It boasts a variety of colors such as gray, brown or reddish brown with dark markings. Its size measures up to 1.5 m long and can weigh up to 27 kg.

Habitat
This species lives in the eastern Pacific Ocean, from Alaska to the Gulf of California. Its distribution includes the entire Baja peninsula as well as from Ecuador to the southern tip of Chile.

It prefers sand or mud bottoms, but it can be found hanging out near rocks and canyons alike. Kelp forests may be considered as part of their habitats, aside from the continental shelf and  littoral areas.

Behaviour
Pacific angelsharks are ambush predators, feeding on bony fishes such as croakers and sardines. Unlike other sharks, it is a visual hunter, striking fish-shaped objects without electrical or vibrational cues. They usually choose sites that give them the best ambush success, and their coloration helps them blend in without letting their prey notice.

They are not generally dangerous to humans unless they are provoked. They can inflict painful injuries, therefore they should be well respected.

Threats and Consevation
The population of pacific angelsharks were threatened by commercial fisheries when its meat was promoted in 1976. Later on, a rising demand led to the use of gillnets specially designed for this species. The number of angelsharks went down, with their slow reproduction and movement contributing to the decrease.

In 1991, gillnet fishery off California was banned and has been ever since. Pacific angelsharks may be listed as a near threatened species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, but their population is reported to be recovering.

Sources:

1. https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sharks/world/thpacificangel.html
2. https://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/discover/species-profiles/squatina-californica
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_angelshark
4. https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animal-guide/fishes/pacific-angel-shark
5. http://www.zooborns.com/zooborns/2009/06/angel-shark-pups-no-bigger-than-your-hand.html