Angel sharks (Squatinidae) are a unique family of flat, bottom-dwelling sharks that closely resemble rays.
Found in coastal waters from Europe to the Pacific, these elusive predators are masters of camouflage, blending perfectly with the seabed.
Their broad bodies and wing-like pectoral fins allow them to bury themselves in sand or mud, making them nearly invisible to unsuspecting prey. Angel sharks are ambush predators, relying on stealth and lightning-fast strikes to catch their victims.
The angel shark's diet consists mainly of fish, crustaceans and cephalopods – their powerful jaws, equipped with sharp, needle-like teeth, enable them to seize these slippery animals with ease.
One famous video captures this incredible hunting technique in three dramatic seconds.
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The angel shark's dependence on these sandy and muddy habitats makes them particularly vulnerable to human activities like trawling and coastal development.
Main image: angel shark ambushes and eats a zebra shark/Getty
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