Squatina californica Ayres, 1859
Pacific angelshark
Squatina californica
photo by Murch, A.

Family:  Squatinidae (Angel sharks)
Max. size:  152 cm TL (male/unsexed); max. reported age: 35 years
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 3 - 205 m
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: Canada to Gulf of California, south to Panama.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 0-0
Biology:  Found on the continental shelf and littoral areas (Ref. 247).A sluggish and inactive species that buries itself in sand or mud (Ref. 247). Also found around rocks, heads of submarine canyons, and sometimes near kelp forests (Ref. 247). Feeds on bottom and epibenthic fishes, including croakers, California halibut, and squid (Ref. 247). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 50449). Can whip up its head and snap very quickly when touched, provoked, harassed, or speared, and can inflict painful lacerations (Ref. 247).
IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened (NT); Date assessed: 03 December 2014 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  traumatogenic


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