Angel Shark (Squatina californica)
Flat and still as sand, the angel shark waits in silence along the seafloor. It is a creature of patience — perfectly camouflaged, blending shadow and texture until only a soft movement gives it away. In its calm presence, the ocean feels slower, quieter.
Scientific Snapshot
Scientific Name: Squatina californica
Common Names: Angel shark, Pacific angel shark
Average Size: Typically 1.2 to 1.5 meters (4–5 feet)
Habitat: Sandy or muddy bottoms near kelp forests and rocky reefs; shallow to moderate depths
Diet: Benthic fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods
Conservation Status: Near Threatened (IUCN Red List)
Range: Eastern Pacific — from southern Alaska to the Gulf of California
From the Field
The story…