Fish nocturnal

Small-spotted Catshark

Scyliorhinus canicula

The Small-spotted Catshark is the hidden gem of our coastal shallows, a master of camouflage that prowls the seafloor with cat-like grace. Known for its beautiful dappled skin and gentle nature, it brings a touch of deep-sea mystery to the shoreline.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Typically 60–80 cm (24–31 inches) long, reaching a maximum of 1 meter (3.3 feet); weight averages 1–2 kg (2.2–4.4 lbs).

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Colors

Sandy-brown to light grey upper body densely covered in small, dark brown or black spots; the belly is a pale, creamy white.

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Key Features

Numerous small dark spots across the entire body
Two small dorsal fins located far back on the body
Elongated 'cat-like' eyes with oval pupils
Five small gill slits located above the pectoral fins

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern nocturnal

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Peak hours 10 PM - 4 AM

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Season Year-round, with increased shallow-water sightings during spring spawning

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Diet An opportunistic bottom-feeder that uses a keen sense of smell to locate crabs, shrimp, whelks, and small bony fish buried in the sand or hiding in rocks.

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Habitat Found in shallow coastal waters, particularly over sandy, muddy, or gravelly bottoms and within tide pools and kelp forests.

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Behavior

The Small-spotted Catshark is a primarily nocturnal species that spends its daylight hours resting sluggishly on the seafloor, often tucked away in crevices or among thick kelp forests. Despite being a member of the shark family, they are incredibly docile and pose no threat to humans, often remaining perfectly still even when approached by divers. They are known for a peculiar 'curling' behavior when threatened, where they wrap their tail around their head to protect their eyes.

Socially, these sharks are often found in groups of the same sex, a behavior known as sexual segregation. Males and females tend to occupy different depths or habitats outside of the mating season to avoid competition. They are highly sedentary creatures, often returning to the same favored resting spot day after day, which makes them excellent subjects for long-term camera observation if you live near a rocky coastline.

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Camera Tips

Capturing a Small-spotted Catshark on camera requires an underwater setup, specifically targeting the 'intertidal zone' or shallow reefs if your property borders the ocean. For those with coastal backyards, a waterproof trail camera or an action camera with an external power bank inside a dive housing is the best approach. Position the camera at the base of a rock face or at the edge of a kelp bed, as these sharks use these features as 'highways' to navigate the seabed while staying protected from larger predators.

Since these sharks are strictly nocturnal, your camera’s infrared (IR) capabilities are vital. However, catsharks are sensitive to bright light; if your camera allows it, use 'Low Glow' or 'No Glow' IR settings to prevent them from darting away. Angle the camera slightly downward toward the seafloor, about 6 to 12 inches off the bottom, to capture their unique 'walking' motion as they use their pectoral fins to push along the sand. Setting a high-frame-rate video mode is better than stills, as it allows you to see the rhythmic undulating movement of their tail.

To guarantee a sighting, you can use a scent lure. A perforated PVC pipe filled with oily fish like mackerel or sardines (often called a 'chum pod') can be staked into the sand directly in front of the lens. The catshark’s powerful ampullae of Lorenzini (electro-receptors) and sense of smell will lead them directly to the bait. Just ensure the bait is secured so the shark doesn't drag it out of the frame immediately. If you are filming in a tide pool during low tide, check the water depth to ensure the camera remains fully submerged as the tide recedes.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Small-spotted Catshark.

Nursehound

Much larger than the catshark with larger, more widely spaced dark spots and broader nasal flaps.

Blackmouth Catshark

Identified by the distinct jet-black interior of its mouth and a more elongated, marbled pattern on its skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Small-spotted Catsharks are strictly nocturnal. They are most active between the hours of 10 PM and 4 AM, when they leave their rocky hiding spots to forage for food on the sandy seafloor.

If your backyard is coastal, you can attract them to an underwater camera by using a bait bag filled with oily fish like mackerel. The scent trail will draw them in from the surrounding kelp or reef areas.

They are bottom-feeders that primarily eat crustaceans like crabs and shrimp, as well as mollusks, worms, and small fish like gobies or sand eels.

They are very common along the coastlines of the UK, Ireland, and the Mediterranean. If you live near a harbor, marina, or rocky beach, they are likely present just offshore.

Small-spotted Catsharks are smaller (under 1m) and have many tiny dark spots. The Nursehound (or Bull Huss) is much larger, reaching 1.6m, and has much larger, bolder dark spots that are fewer in number.

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