Come identificare Small-spotted Catshark

Per identificare Small-spotted Catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula), osserva queste caratteristiche chiave.

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

1. 1

   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.

2. 2

   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.

3. 3

   Size

   Generally smaller than the Nursehound, rarely exceeding 100 cm in total length, while Nursehounds can reach up to 160 cm.

4. 4

   Skin Texture

   The skin feels rough to the touch due to its placoid scales, a characteristic of all sharks.

Esplora Small-spotted Catshark