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FISH GUIDE · Sea

Nursehound: identification, habitat and fishing guide

Scyliorhinus stellaris

Nursehound is a bottom-dwelling shark distinct from small-spotted catshark. Fish baits over rocky ground are documented; its abrasive skin and teeth require prepared landing.

Catalogue names : Nursehound. Forms and names may vary between habitats.

Editorial review : · This species guide is not permission to fish. Read the precautions below and check the current rules for your location before targeting a species. Some species or populations are protected.

Geographical distribution

Documented presence includes: northeastern Atlantic, from Morocco to northern Scotland ; English Channel ; North Sea ; Mediterranean Sea. The source explicitly excludes the Black Sea.

  • Documented presence : northeastern Atlantic, from Morocco to northern Scotland
  • Documented presence : English Channel
  • Documented presence : North Sea
  • Documented presence : Mediterranean Sea

Documented areas, not an exhaustive list. Presence in a region does not imply presence in every water body or permission to fish.

Distribution sources

Identification

Large dark spots, a rounded snout and separate nasal flaps not reaching the mouth characterise Scyliorhinus stellaris. Also compare dorsal-fin position; size alone does not distinguish the two catsharks.

Habitat

North-eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean, particularly over hard, rocky and algae-covered continental-shelf bottoms.

Diet

Crustaceans, molluscs, cephalopods and bottom-dwelling fish.

Behaviour

It hides in rocky shelters during the day and becomes active at night. This biological rhythm alone does not justify recommending a night trip.

Indicative biological size

About 1 m in the DORIS description; this reference is neither a record nor a legal size limit.

Fishing context and precautions

Fishing in Wales names Scyliorhinus stellaris and lists fish, crab and squid baits over rocky ground; the Sea Angling Ireland account specifies mackerel strips. Indicative adaptation from a boat and spot where fishing is permitted: prepare a single-hook bottom rig, attach a strip of mackerel and lower it under control near the bottom without wedging the sinker among rocks. Choose line and weight that allow presentation control and withstand abrasion; if snagging recurs, retrieve and change the drift. On a bite, follow the tension and retrieve without prolonged exhaustion. General IFI elasmobranch precautions favour unhooking alongside the boat when possible, without a gaff; bring aboard only when necessary. Never suspend the shark by its tail or vertically, protect the gills and minimise handling. Abrasive skin and teeth require hands to stay away from the mouth. This Irish and Welsh adaptation grants no right to fish in France.

A distinctive feature

Its eggs are protected by a capsule with tendrils that attach to a support.

Sources and review

Each reference includes its access date. Overall editorial review: . Local conditions and regulations may change.

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