How to Identify Small-spotted Catshark

To identify Small-spotted Catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Dorsal surface is typically yellowish-brown to greyish-brown, covered with numerous small, dark brown or black spots. The ventral surface is pale white or off-white, usually unspotted. The spots are generally smaller and more numerous than those of the Nursehound (Scyliorhinus stellaris).

Scale type

placoid

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Slender, elongated body, Numerous small, dark spots covering the dorsal surface, Rough skin due to placoid scales (dermal denticles), Two dorsal fins located far back on the body, Nostrils connected to the mouth by a deep groove

Dorsal fin

Two small dorsal fins, both located far back on the body. The first dorsal fin originates behind the pelvic fin origin, and the second dorsal fin is slightly smaller and originates behind the anal fin origin.

Tail fin

Heterocercal caudal fin, with the upper lobe significantly longer than the lower lobe, typical of sharks.

Pectoral fin

Moderately large and rounded pectoral fins.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are separate in males, but fused to form a 'skirt' in mature females, covering the cloaca.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Spotting Pattern

   Look for numerous, small, dark spots covering the entire dorsal surface. This distinguishes it from the Nursehound (Scyliorhinus stellaris) which has fewer, larger, and more widely spaced spots.

2. 2

   Body Shape

   Its slender, elongated body is characteristic. The head is relatively broad and flattened.

3. 3

   Nostrils

   The nostrils are connected to the mouth by a distinct, deep groove, a feature shared with other catsharks.

4. 4

   Dorsal Fin Position

   Both dorsal fins are positioned far back on the body, with the first dorsal fin originating behind the pelvic fins.

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