This highly distinctive group of sharks comprises a single family of about 13 species.
All species hatch young from eggs within the body.
Raylike fishes with mottled backs, the angelsharks have two dorsal fins, no anal fin, and large pectoral fins that reach forward over the gills. The upper lobe of the tail fin is shorter than the lower lobe. Its mouth has small teeth for impaling. Shallow to moderate depths on the continental shelves and upper slopes from intertidal zones to depths of 4,500 ft. Often found during the day on sandy or muddy bottoms.