A rare shark was spotted off Victoria’s Clover Point – marking the first time the species was documented in Canada.

The first official sighting of the Pacific angel shark was on April 30.

According to the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California the angel shark grows up to 1.5 metres and spends most of the day buried in the sand – perfectly camouflaging itself as it waits for its prey.

In an email, Fisheries and Oceans Canada says they’re not entirely surprised by the sighting.

“If you look in a field guide, the range of Pacific Angel Shark is described as California to Alaska, so we have been ‘waiting’ for one to be reported in B.C.,” communications advisor Lara Sloan writes.

The department suggests if you see a shark you should note the following information down:

  •          A photograph or video of the shark – including the dorsal fin
  •          Date and time of the encounter
  •          Location of the sighting – be as specific as you can
  •          An estimate of the shark’s total length and sex if possible
  •          Any distinguishing features (e.g. colour, scars)

To date 14 species of sharks have been documented in B.C. waters.

Anyone who spots a shark in the province is encouraged to contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada