What makes an angel shark different from other sharks?

Flat body: Angel sharks have flattened, ray-like bodies that distinguish them from other sharks, which typically have more cylindrical or streamlined shapes.

Bony plates: Their skin is covered in dermal denticles, which are small, tooth-like scales, but in angel sharks, these denticles are enlarged into bony plates called dermal scutes.

Wing-like pectoral fins: Their pectoral fins are enlarged and wing-like, contributing to their distinctive flat body shape. These broad pectoral fins help them in gliding and maneuvering through the seafloor.

Anterior placement of nostrils and mouth: Angel sharks have their nostrils and mouths located on the front of their heads, unlike many other sharks that have the nostrils and mouths on the underside.

Teeth: Their teeth are flattened, forming crushing plates, which differ from the usual pointed or serrated teeth found in many sharks.

Bottom-dwelling behavior: Angel sharks are demersal fish, meaning they spend most of their time on the seafloor, where they often bury themselves in the sand for camouflage.

Habitat preference: While many shark species inhabit open waters, angel sharks prefer shallower coastal habitats with sandy or muddy seafloors.

Feeding habits: Angel sharks primarily feed on smaller fish, invertebrates, and crustaceans that live on the seabed, using their flattened body and mouth to locate and capture their prey.