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Scyliorhinus canicula, commonly known as the small-spotted catshark or lesser spotted dogfish, is a demersal shark belonging to the family Scyliorhinidae. It is one of the most common sharks in the Northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. This species is characterized by its slender body, numerous small dark spots, and two dorsal fins positioned far back on the body. It is a relatively small shark, typically reaching lengths of up to 100 cm, and is primarily nocturnal, feeding on a variety of benthic invertebrates and small fish. Its eggs are encased in distinctive 'mermaid's purses'.
Caratteristiche fisiche
- Forma del corpo
- elongated
- Colorazione
- Dorsal surface is typically yellowish-brown to greyish-brown, covered with numerous small, dark brown or black spots. The ventral surface is paler, often whitish or off-white, without spots. The spots are generally smaller and more numerous than those of the Nursehound (Scyliorhinus stellaris).
- Tipo di squame
- placoid
- Posizione della bocca
- inferior
- Caratteristiche distintive
- Slender, elongated body, Numerous small, dark spots covering the dorsal surface, Two small dorsal fins located far back on the body, with the first dorsal fin originating behind the pelvic fin origin, No anal fin, Rough skin due to placoid scales (dermal denticles), Large, oval eyes with nictitating membranes, Short snout with nostrils connected to the mouth by grooves
- Pinna dorsale
- Two small, spineless dorsal fins. The first dorsal fin originates behind the origin of the pelvic fins. The second dorsal fin is similar in size to the first and originates behind the origin of the anal fin (though no true anal fin is present, it refers to the position relative to the cloaca).
- Pinna caudale
- Asymmetrical caudal fin (heterocercal), with the upper lobe significantly longer than the lower lobe. No subterminal notch.
- Pinna pettorale
- Moderately large and rounded.
- Pinne distintive
- Pelvic fins are separate in males, partially fused in females, forming a 'skirt' around the cloaca. No anal fin.
Consigli per l'identificazione
Spot 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.
Dorsal Fin Position
The first dorsal fin originates behind the origin of the pelvic fins. In contrast, the Nursehound's first dorsal fin originates over or slightly in front of the pelvic fin origin.
Size
Generally smaller than the Nursehound, rarely exceeding 100 cm in total length, while Nursehounds can reach up to 160 cm.
Skin Texture
The skin feels rough to the touch due to its placoid scales, a characteristic of all sharks.
Habitat
- Tipo di acqua
- saltwater
- Profondità
- Typically found from the intertidal zone down to depths of approximately 400 meters (1300 feet), though most common in shallower waters (20-100 meters).
- Ambiente
- Demersal, inhabiting sandy, muddy, gravelly, and rocky bottoms. Often found in coastal waters, estuaries, and offshore banks. Prefers areas with shelter, such as kelp beds or rocky crevices, where it can rest during the day.
- Areale geografico
- Northeast Atlantic Ocean, from Norway and the British Isles south to Senegal, including the Mediterranean Sea and the Adriatic Sea. Also found around the Canary Islands and Madeira.
Informazioni sull'acquario
- Livello di cura: advanced
- Temperamento: peaceful
- Dieta: carnivore
- Dimensione minima della vasca: 1000 gallons (approximately 3785 liters) for a single adult, larger for multiple individuals
- Temperatura: 10-18°C (50-64°F)
- Livello di pH: 7.8-8.4
- Durezza: 1.020-1.025 SG
- Compatibilità: Generally compatible with other large, peaceful, cold-water marine species that are not small enough to be considered prey. Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species.
- Requisiti speciali: Requires a very large, well-filtered, and mature cold-water marine aquarium with ample swimming space and soft substrate for resting. Excellent water quality and stable parameters are crucial. Live rock and caves can provide enrichment and hiding spots. Specialized feeding techniques may be required to ensure proper nutrition.
Informazioni in natura
- Stato di conservazione: least concern
- Stagionalità: Can be found year-round, but fishing effort and catch rates may vary seasonally due to weather conditions and reproductive cycles. Spawning typically occurs from autumn to spring.
- Prezzo di mercato: Variable, generally low to moderate depending on region and demand. Often sold as 'flake' or 'rock salmon' in some markets.
- Importanza commerciale: medium
- Sapore: Mild, slightly sweet, firm white flesh.
- Consistenza: Firm, flaky, and boneless (cartilaginous).
- Metodi di cottura: Fried, Grilled, Baked, Stewed, Smoked
- Valore nutrizionale: Good source of protein, low in fat. Contains Omega-3 fatty acids.
Fatti chiave
Mermaid's Purseinteresting
The eggs of Scyliorhinus canicula are laid in distinctive leathery egg cases, commonly known as 'mermaid's purses'. These cases have tendrils at each corner that allow them to attach to seaweed or other benthic structures, preventing them from being washed away.
Nocturnal Hunterbehavior
This species is primarily nocturnal, spending daylight hours resting on the seabed, often partially buried in sand or hidden in crevices. It becomes active at night to hunt for food.
Electroreceptionamazing
Like other sharks, Scyliorhinus canicula possesses ampullae of Lorenzini, specialized electroreceptors that allow it to detect the weak electrical fields generated by the muscle contractions of its prey, even when buried in the substrate.
Sexual Dimorphism in Pelvic Finsbehavior
A unique feature is the sexual dimorphism in their pelvic fins: in males, they are separate and modified into claspers for reproduction, while in females, they are partially fused, forming a 'skirt' around the cloaca.
Common Bycatchinteresting
Due to its abundance and wide distribution, Scyliorhinus canicula is a common bycatch in various demersal fisheries, particularly trawl and gillnet fisheries, throughout its range.
Informazioni di sicurezza
Sicuro- Livello di sicurezza: safe
- Velenoso: No
- Commestibilità: edible
- Note sul maneggio: Generally harmless to humans. Can deliver a mild bite if provoked or mishandled, but their teeth are small and not designed for serious injury to large prey. Handle with care to avoid skin abrasions from their rough dermal denticles. Always support the body and avoid grasping by the tail. Return to water quickly if caught.
Specie simili
Nursehound
Scyliorhinus stellaris
The Nursehound has fewer, larger, and more widely spaced dark spots on its body. Its first dorsal fin originates over or slightly in front of the pelvic fin origin, whereas in S. canicula, it originates behind the pelvic fin origin. Nursehounds also tend to grow larger.
Blackmouth Catshark
Galeus melastomus
The Blackmouth Catshark has a more slender body, larger eyes, and a distinctive black lining inside its mouth. Its coloration is generally more uniform, often reddish-brown, with less prominent or absent spots. It typically inhabits deeper waters.
Classificazione scientifica
- Regno
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Classe
- Chondrichthyes
- Ordine
- Carcharhiniformes
- Famiglia
- Scyliorhinidae
- Genere
- Scyliorhinus
- Specie
- Scyliorhinus canicula
Esplora Small-spotted Catshark
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