Pacific Angel Shark (Squatina californica). Illustration: R. Aidan Martin

Angel Sharks are reminiscent of skates, with flattened bodies. Their eyes are on the top of their heads, and their gills are on the ventral, or bottom parts of their body. And their pectoral and pelvic fins are splayed out like flat wings.

Angel Sharks spend much of their time partially buried on the sandy bottom of the ocean hiding in wait for prey. It will then snap up, expand its mouth and grab the prey.