Angel sharks, with their distinctive flattened bodies, often resemble rays at first glance, but they are indeed true sharks. Their unique appearance, characterized by broad pectoral fins that spread out like wings, allows them to blend seamlessly with the ocean floor.
Primary Prey
Angel sharks are carnivores, primarily consuming other marine animals that inhabit the seabed. Their diet largely consists of bony fish, including various flatfish species like flounder and sole, as well as small schooling fish and other bottom-dwelling fish. These sharks are opportunistic feeders, preying on whatever suitable organisms are available in their immediate environment.
Beyond fish, their diet also incorporates a range of invertebrates. Crustaceans, such as crabs and shrimp, form a regular part of their meals. Mollusks, including squid, cuttlefish, and bivalves like clams and gastropods, are also consumed by angel sharks. Their diet can vary by species and location, but these categories represent their main food sources.
Hunting Techniques
Angel sharks employ an ambush predation strategy to capture food. They achieve this by burying themselves almost completely in soft substrates like sand or mud, often leaving only their eyes and spiracles visible above the surface. This camouflage makes them virtually invisible to unsuspecting prey swimming overhead. They can remain motionless in this hidden position for extended periods, conserving energy while waiting for an opportune moment.
When a potential meal passes within striking distance, the angel shark executes a rapid, explosive lunge from its concealed spot. Their specialized, protrusible jaws extend quickly, creating strong suction to capture and engulf the prey whole. They possess numerous small, sharp teeth designed for grasping and holding onto their catch. Angel sharks also use sensory perceptions like their lateral line system to detect vibrations and movements. Ampullae of Lorenzini allow them to sense weak electrical fields generated by other marine animals, aiding prey detection even when hidden.
Habitat and Diet
Angel sharks are typically found in benthic environments, meaning they live on or near the seabed. They favor sandy or muddy seafloors in coastal areas, estuaries, and continental shelves, inhabiting depths that can range from shallow waters to several hundred meters. Their flattened body shape is a direct adaptation to this bottom-dwelling lifestyle, enabling them to lie flush against the substrate for effective camouflage.
This specific habitat provides a consistent supply of their primary prey, which largely consists of other bottom-dwelling fish and burrowing invertebrates. Their ability to pump water over their gills without moving, using specialized spiracles, allows them to stay perfectly still and undetected while waiting for a meal.