The Angel Shark family (Squatinidae) consists of unique, flattened sharks that look much more like rays than their typically torpedo-shaped relatives. These bottom-dwellers, which have broad, wing-like pectoral fins, are found in temperate and tropical oceans across the globe. A common question arises regarding whether these creatures pose a danger to humans. This analysis explores the true threat level of angel sharks by examining their behavior, habitat, and interactions with people.
The Direct Answer: Assessing the Threat Level
Angel sharks are generally considered a low-threat species to humans compared to larger, free-swimming sharks. They are shy, non-aggressive hunters, preferring to remain buried and motionless on the seafloor. The few reported incidents involving human contact are minor and non-fatal, categorized as defensive reactions rather than predatory attacks.
A bite from an angel shark is a painful inconvenience, not a life-threatening event. These sharks possess highly protrusible jaws equipped with numerous small, sharp, needle-like teeth, effective for grasping small fish and crustaceans. These teeth are not designed for shearing large pieces of flesh like those of the white or bull shark.
Understanding Angel Shark Behavior and Habitat
The primary reason for the low threat level is rooted in the angel shark’s lifestyle as a specialized ambush predator. They inhabit shallow coastal waters and continental shelves, often burying themselves almost completely in soft, sandy, or muddy substrates during the day. Only their eyes and spiracles are visible, which allows them to breathe while still.
Nearly all interactions that result in a bite occur when a swimmer or diver accidentally steps directly onto a camouflaged shark. The shark, startled and feeling trapped, reacts instantaneously with a defensive snap to free itself from the pressure. Angel sharks are primarily nocturnal, limiting their daytime interaction with humans.
Identifying the Different Types of Angel Sharks
The term “Angel Shark” is a broad designation for the entire family Squatinidae, which includes at least 26 recognized species worldwide. These species are geographically diverse, ranging from the Pacific Angel Shark (Squatina californica) to the Common Angel Shark (Squatina squatina).
All species share the defining physical characteristics of a flattened body and broad pectoral fins separate from the head, distinguishing them from true rays. Crucially, all members of the Squatinidae family also share the same ambush hunting strategy, relying on burying themselves in the substrate. This shared behavior ensures the low-threat assessment applies broadly to angel sharks across the globe.