Show Navigation

Japanese Angelshark (Squatina japonica) Ambushing Prey

A Japanese angelshark (Squatina japonica) engaged in ambush predation, leaping out of the sand to grab a small silver-stripe round herring (Spratelloides gracilis). The shark’s extended jaws are clearly visible. The speed and force of the shark’s ambush sends not only sand into the water column, but also bottom-dwelling marine life, such as the multiple mid-water bristleworms seen here.

Add to Cart Add to Lightbox Download

Filename: japanese-angelshark-squatina-japonica-ambush-predation-201702-124.tif
Copyright: Copyright Tony Wu. All rights reserved. No duplication, reproduction or usage without prior written permission.
Image Size: 7122x4753 / 96.9MB; https://www.photoshelter.com/support/license#rm; https://www.tony-wu.com/contact-tony-wu; Cartilaginous Fish Angel Shark Animalia Chordata Chondrichthyes Elasmobranchii Squatiniformes Squatinidae Squatina japonica Japanese Angelshark Vulnerable: IUCN Red List Predation Feeding Hunting Pacific Japan
Contained in galleries: Chondrichthyes, Fish Photos, Marine Life | Japan

A Japanese angelshark (Squatina japonica) engaged in ambush predation, leaping out of the sand to grab a small silver-stripe round herring (Spratelloides gracilis). The shark’s extended jaws are clearly visible. The speed and force of the shark’s ambush sends not only sand into the water column, but also bottom-dwelling marine life, such as the multiple mid-water bristleworms seen here.