Page 38 - Shark

Angel sharks

Imagine running a steamroller over a normal-shaped shark—the
result would look something like an angel shark. These strange, flattened
sharks have extra-large pectoral fins resembling angels’ wings. Angel
sharks spend much of their lives resting on the seabed or lying in
wait for fish or shellfish to move within reach of their snapping, sharp-
toothed jaws. They can also swim, using their tails to propel themselves
along, just like other sharks. Angel sharks are most active between dusk
and dawn, traveling as far as 6 miles (10 km)
Monk fish during the night. There are about 20 species
Ever since the of angel shark that live in shallow
16th century,
angel sharks coastal waters around the
have also been
called “monk world to depths of
fish,” because the over 3,000 ft
shape of their
heads looks like (1,000 m).
the hood on a
monk’s cloak.

Lower lobe of tail, Second
or caudal fin, is dorsal
longer than the fin
upper lobe—a
feature unique 0 1,200 2,400 3,600 miles
to angel sharks Pelvic fin
Distribution
of angel sharks

Eye First dorsal fin
Mouth
Gill Spiracle
slit

angeLs
This angel shark
Pelvic Look-aLikes Pectoral fin grows to nearly
fin Rays (pp. 8–9) are flat, 7 ft (2 m) long. It is found in the
just like angel sharks. Mediterranean and Baltic seas, the eastern
But unlike angel sharks, Atlantic Ocean, and the English Channel, down to depths of about
a ray’s pectoral fins are 500 ft (150 m). Like all angel sharks, it has eyes on the top of its head so it
completely attached to can see while lying flat on the seabed. For respiration, it can draw in water
its head and its gill slits through its large spiracles, which are also placed on the top of its head.
Underside are located on the Top side Water taken in through the spiracles is more likely to be free of silt,
of ray underside of its body. of ray that could clog up its gills, than water taken in through its mouth.
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