Angel Shark Japan Squatina japonica
$2,362.48
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The Angel Shark brings a unique ambush predator style with its flat body and sand-burying behavior. It fits advanced systems designed for large, bottom-dwelling species.
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Angel Shark Japan
There's a moment when you first encounter a Japanese Angel Shark that takes a second to process — it barely looks like a shark. Squatina japonica has the flattened profile and broad pectoral fins of a ray, and it lies buried up to the eyes in sandy substrate with such precision that even experienced divers will swim right over one without noticing it. But when prey passes within range, it erupts from the sand with astonishing speed, capturing fish and invertebrates in a strike that's over before it registers. This species inhabits the continental shelf of the northwestern Pacific — Japan, Korea, China, and the surrounding seas — living on sandy bottoms in shallow coastal areas, though it has been recorded at depths of up to 300 meters. During the day, it lies buried and still; at night, it roams more actively. The combination of its unusual body form, ambush predator behavior, and natural camouflage makes it unlike anything else in the hobby. The IUCN lists Squatina japonica as Critically Endangered due to trawling pressure and habitat degradation across its range. Keeping this species responsibly means providing the highest standard of care and an aquarium environment. See the full sharks for sale listing for other available species.Angel Shark Aquarium Requirements
A very large aquarium with an extensive fine sand bed is the central requirement. Angel sharks must be able to fully bury themselves — the sand layer should be several inches deep across a wide area. Smooth tank walls and no sharp fittings. Strong filtration. Water temperature approximately 61–75°F. This species is a powerful ambush predator and cannot be housed with any fish or invertebrates it can fit in its mouth. Tankmates, if any, must be significantly larger.Feeding
Carnivore — whole fish, squid, and crustaceans. May require live food initially to trigger a feeding response.Care Facts and Stats
- Care Level: Expert — specialist/collector only
- Behavior: Ambush predator; buries in sand during the day; more active at night; solitary; remains motionless for extended periods
- Coloration: Brown, gray, and off-white dorsal surface with irregular dark spots and blotches providing sand-mimicking camouflage; pale underside
- Body Form: Fully flattened; broad rounded pectoral and pelvic fins; wide flat head with prominent eyes on top; rows of spines along midline
- Feeding Type: Carnivore — demersal fish, cephalopods, crustaceans; explosive ambush strike
- Reef Safe: No — will consume anything within strike range
- Water Parameters: Temp 61–75°F | Salinity 1.024–1.026 | pH 8.1–8.3 | No copper
- Maximum Size: Up to 6.5 feet (200 cm)
- Geographic Origin: Northwestern Pacific — Japan, Korea, northern China and Yellow Sea
- Family Classification: Squatinidae (Angel Sharks)
- Minimum Tank Size: 1,000+ gallons with extensive sand bed area
- Maximum Recommended Tank Size: Large custom sandy-bottom display
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