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FISH GUIDE · Sea

Small-spotted catshark: identification, habitat and fishing guide

Scyliorhinus canicula

Small-spotted catshark are sought with bait near soft bottoms. Before casting, prepare above all for unhooking: this small shark can twist and its skin is abrasive. The suggested method simplifies a surfcasting account; whether it may be retained depends on local rules, never merely on its apparently common nature.

Catalogue names : Small-spotted catshark. 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 Norway to Senegal ; North Sea ; English Channel ; Mediterranean Sea.

  • Documented presence : northeastern Atlantic, from Norway to Senegal
  • Documented presence : North Sea
  • Documented presence : English Channel
  • 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

Scyliorhinus canicula has numerous small dark spots on a pale background, a rounded snout and two dorsal fins placed towards the rear of the body. Touching nasal flaps are a feature that helps distinguish it from the nursehound.

Size and spots alone are not enough. Do not keep a fish turned over for a long time to search for a detail: if identification remains uncertain, favour brief handling and have an existing photograph examined.

Habitat

It inhabits sand, gravel and mud among other bottoms. Choose an accessible soft-bottomed patch where the rig can hold; bottom close to rock may be usable without placing the bait inside crevices.

Diet

Molluscs, crustaceans, polychaete worms and small fish; its diet includes both bottom-dwelling and open-water prey.

Behaviour

This shark eats a variety of invertebrates and fish. Its nocturnal activity is documented, but that neither guarantees catches nor rules out a daytime encounter.

Indicative biological size

Around 60 cm common total length according to FishBase; not a legal size limit.

Fishing context and precautions

  1. Prepare a terminal-weight line with one hook snood and a single hook over clear bottom. This version simplifies the two-long-snood rig described in the source; check the rules before rigging it.
  2. Bait up with a securely attached piece of razor-clam flesh or a strip of mackerel. Check attachment and hook point before casting; there is no need to seek a distance you cannot control.
  3. Put the rod on a stable rest and actively watch for bites. Check the bait regularly according to the activity and conditions; do not leave the line fishing unattended for long periods.
  4. At a confirmed bite, follow through with the strike and retrieve without prolonging the fight. Bring the fish towards a planned unhooking area without lifting it by the tail or improvising a bare-handed hold.

A distinctive feature

Its eggs are enclosed in capsules with tendrils that anchor them to a support; empty capsules are often called “mermaid’s purses”.

Sources and review

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

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