Angel Shark

The most widespread species of shark in the Canaries is the Angel Shark one (Squatina squatina, Linnaeus, 1758). During November to March, they get closer to the Tenerife shore line, at shallow depth, what gives us good opportunities of seeing them in diving or even in snorkelling since they can be observed at 2 meters depth.

Missing link between sharks and rays, the Angel Shark has a head flat, like rays, and a slender body like sharks. It lives and feeds close to the bottom and it is very rare to see it swimming in open water.


Its camouflage is adapted to its system of hunting: ambush. Its dorsal fins are flexible, which enables him to disappear completely, buried in the sand. Its colour varies from gray sands to russet-red and it is even sometimes speckled with dark brown. It is not uncommon to swim over them without seeing them.

Hunting at night, the Angel Shark has barbs near the mouth which allow it to feel its preys. It feeds on shellfishes, molluscs or small bony fishes. The mouth, strewed with small teeth, is located on the front of the snout.

The small ones are born in the belly of the mother (ovoviviparous) where they develop to about thirty centimetres before venturing outside… This mode of reproduction offers protection to the young reducing new born fatalities and thus increasing the chances of the species survival. This shark is harmless to human being, but can be aggressive if it feels threatened or if it is disturbed by disrespectful divers. It is highly advised not to remove the sand from them, because they are likely to attack you.

The Angel Shark hunting technique makes this specie easy to approach. We find them usually buried under a school of tiny shrimps (Mysidae) or fish’s larvae, which they use as bait. However, it is very important not to disturb their lifestyle and stop these "Underwater Shows” of sand removal, and more especially because these sharks are classified like Critically Endangered specie according to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources).

Small video about Angel Shark (Squatina squatina)

To know more about this shark.