#squatinidae

photograph by Andy Murch

Hard to get photos of living individuals where they aren't buried in sand/silt/etc, enjoy photos of these fellows lying in wait for their prey to approach.

img source

The Japanese angelshark (Squatina japonica) is a species of angelshark (family Squatinidae) found in the northwestern Pacific Ocean off China, Japan, and Korea. It is a bottom-dwelling shark found in sandy habitats down to 300 m (980 ft) deep. This species has the flattened shape with wing-like pectoral and pelvic fins typical of its family, and grows to 1.5 m (4.9 ft) or more in length. Feeding on fishes, cephalopods, and crustaceans, the Japanese angelshark is a nocturnal ambush predator that spends most of the day lying still on the sea floor. This species gives birth to live young; the litter size varies from two to 10. It is not dangerous to humans unless provoked.

full zine can be purchased here (only 1$ and all proceeds will be send to Shark Savers!)