Long, slim body which is tan or light brown and covered in small dark spots and skin is very rough to the touch. Underside is light grey to white in colour. Mouth is set quite far back on underside of body and nasal grooves reach the mouth. Two dorsal fins are set far back on the body and pectoral fins are large and triangular. As this is a shark species there are no rays, spines or segments in the fins, and five gill slits are present on each side of the body.
Distribution
Found all around the UK but in generally in greater numbers on the south and west coasts of the British Isles. It is also found throughout the Mediterranean, coasts of northern Africa, and in Scandinavian waters.
Feeds On
Extremely unfussy scavenger that will eat pretty much anything it can find. Worms, fish, prawns, shellfish and crustaceans will all be taken, as will small fish it can hunt down.
- Scientific name: Scyliorhinus canicula
- Also know as: Lesser-Spotted Dogfish, Small-Spotted Dogfish, Small-spotted Catshark, Rockfish.
- Size: Up to 3ft and 5lbs (UK shore caught typically 1-2lb).
- UK minimum size: 15in/38cm in length
- UK shore caught record: 4lb 15oz
- IUCN Status: LC (Least Concern)
