Angel sharks are identified by their broad pectoral fins that give them an angelic appearance. There are 13 species of angel shark worldwide. These sharks look like rays and in fact sharks and rays are elasmobranchs. Elasmobranchs have cartilaginous skeletons, are highly flexible and have gill slits instead of gill covers found in bony fish. The angel shark's pectoral fins are detached from its head, while the rays fins are attached to the head.
Angel sharks bury themselves on the seabed and wait for prey to come near.
When the prey is within reach, the shark darts from under its camouflage and grabs it. Angel sharks feed mainly on bony fish, but also eat skates, crabs and squid. Births occur in Northern Europe during summer, the Mediterranean during winter. Litters range from seven to 25 pups.