Biologists at Aquarium of the Bay reached a milestone recently when they reintroduced three Pacific angel sharks (Squatina californica) into the aquarium's Nearshore Tunnel habitat. Aquarium of the Bay became the first institution in the United States to successfully breed healthy Pacific angel sharks on-exhibit in 2009.
With their eyes positioned on the top of their heads, angel sharks have a wide field of vision, giving them an ideal vantage point from their resting spot on the ocean floor for detecting prey.
By Mallory Johnson
Published: June, 2015
Biologists at Aquarium of the Bay reached a milestone recently when they reintroduced three Pacific angel sharks (Squatina californica) into the aquarium’s Nearshore Tunnel habitat. Aquarium of the Bay became the first institution in the United States to successfully breed healthy Pacific angel sharks on-exhibit in 2009. Since then, aquarium biologists have been closely monitoring and studying the growth of these sharks behind the scenes.
When this litter was born in 2009, Aquarium of the Bay biologists had a very rare opportunity to observe and study the growth of this species. Since their birth, these angel shark pups have been part of ongoing studies by the aquarium’s animal care team, who have published studies pertaining to best practices for the care of angel sharks.
Six years after their birth, these sharks were deemed large enough to reenter the Nearshore Tunnel where they were born. Since their reintroduction, aquarium biologists have continued to monitor their growth and development, incorporating their findings into ongoing research of this species.
In honor of the aquarium’s newest milestone, here are seven facts that you should know about the Pacific angel shark:
1.- Angel sharks are ambush predators, also known as lie-and-wait predators. These patient sharks can lay camouflaged in the sand for days without moving while waiting for prey to swim by.
2.- They’re fast. When they are ready for their next meal, they will strike with incredible speed. Without warning, they snap their heads up nearly 90 degrees to snatch their prey.
3.- Angel sharks have an advantageous point of view. With their eyes positioned on the top of their heads, they have a wide field of vision, giving them an ideal vantage point from their resting spot on the ocean floor for detecting prey.
4.- Pacific angel sharks are named for their flattened bodies and large, wing-like pectoral fins. In appearance, they more closely resemble rays and skates, but there are some key differences. Unlike rays and skates, angel sharks’ pectoral fins aren’t completely attached to their bodies. Angel sharks also have a large mouth in front, rather than on the bottom of their heads.
5.- Pacific angel sharks can blend right in to their environment. Their tawny-colored skin is scattered with small black and white spots, ideal for staying camouflaged along the murky ocean floor.
6.- Pacific angel sharks are commonly found off the California coast in fairly shallow waters, about 30-60 feet deep on average.
7.- Angel sharks were in huge demand for their meat in the 1980s, causing the overfishing of the species. This situation began to reverse in the early 1990s thanks to a voter-approved ban that has allowed them slowly to repopulate.
Learn more about Pacific angel sharks when you visit Aquarium of the Bay, and see if you can spot these well-camouflaged animals lurking in the Nearshore Tunnel habitat. Visit aquariumofthebay.org for more information.
Mallory Johnson is the Communications Manager at Aquarium of the Bay, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting, restoring and inspiring the conservation of San Francisco Bay and its watershed.
