Pacific angelshark
📖 Overview
Found on the continental shelf and littoral areas .A sluggish and inactive species that buries itself in sand or mud . Also found around rocks, heads of submarine canyons, and sometimes near kelp forests . Feeds on bottom and epibenthic fishes, including croakers, California halibut, and squid . Ovoviviparous . Can whip up its head and snap very quickly when touched, provoked, harassed, or speared, and can inflict painful lacerations .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Anal spines: 0. : other.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Pacific angelshark is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Ovoviviparous, embryos feed solely on yolk .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 3 - 205 m , usually 3 - 46 m . Subtropical; 56°N - 5°S, 134°W - 77°W south to northern Peru.
🌿 Ecology
bottom and epibenthic fishes, including croakers, California halibut, and squid (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
⚠️ Venom Profile
- immediate intense pain
- swelling
- erythema
- occasional nausea and weakness
Analgesia; wound care; tetanus prophylaxis; severe cases may require monitoring for systemic effects.
References: Compiled from Bhide (2018), Halstead et al. (1988) and family-specific envenomation literature
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Pacific angelshark is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 19.9 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 363 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Pacific angelshark has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Pacific angel shark · Pacific Angelshark |
| 🌍CES | polorejnok kalifornský |
| 🇩🇪German | Pazifischer Engelhai |
| 🇫🇮Finnish | kirjomerienkeli |
| 🇫🇷French | Ange de mer du Pacifique |
| 🇮🇹Italian | Squalo angelo del Pacifico |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | カリフォルニアカスザメ |
| 🇳🇱Dutch | Pacifische zee-engel |
| 🇵🇱Polish | Raszpla kalifornijska |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Калифорнийская скватина · Тихоокеанский морской ангел |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Tiburón angelito · angelote del Pacífico |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhina philippi | Garman | 1913 | Heterotypic |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 27 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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