Fact of the Day: Pacific Angel Shark - Oceana USA
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July 16, 2010

Fact of the Day: Pacific Angel Shark

BY: MollyH

Responsible Fishing

Happy Friday!

Today’s FOTD is on the Pacific angel shark. While Pacific angel sharks may closely resemble rays, a few distinctive characteristics define them as sharks. First, the pectoral fins of Pacific angel sharks are partially separated from their heads, while rays have pectoral fins that are entirely attached to their heads. 

Also, these sharks have gill slits on the sides of their heads, while rays have gills on the bottom of their heads.  Finally, the mouth of the Pacific angel shark is on the front of its head, rather than on the bottom of its head like a ray’s mouth.

Pacific angel sharks are the perfect marine example of why you can’t judge a book by its cover!

 Be sure to check out Oceana.org/Explore for your weekend fact fix and I’ll see you Monday!

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