Angel Shark
Angel shark (Aleksei Lazukov / shutterstock.com)
Angel sharks (Squatinidae) have large pectoral fins and broad, flattened bodies, which make them look similar to rays. They are typically colored gray to brown and covered with white spots. Angel sharks can grow up to 1.6 meters (5.2 feet) in length. They are harmless to divers, if not disturbed or provoked. On the IUCN Red List, most angel shark species are classified as endangered or critically endangered.
This supplemental online resource accompanies the book Scuba Diving Hand Signals by Lars Behnke, available on
Amazon.