Nursehound: Scyliorhinus stellaris
Key Findings
Also known as greater spotted catsharks, greater spotted dogfish, and rock salmon (Shark Trust, 2020), this larger species of catshark is found throughout Europe and the Mediterranean (IUCN, 2020). Nursehounds (fig. 1) are nocturnal creatures that live at the seabed over rocky substrate (Wildlife Trusts, n.d.). In the daytime, they huddle in small caves (Wildlife Trusts, n.d.).
Like the small-spotted catshark, nursehounds are oviparous (egg laying), producing ‘mermaid purse’ egg cases that may wash up on beaches (Shark Trust, 2020). They are not generally targeted in fishing as they are not commercially popular, but they are at risk of bycatch (Shark Trust, 2020). Currently the IUCN (2020) classifies nursehounds as ‘vulnerable’.
Fig. 1: A Nursehound (Wildlife Trusts, n.d.)
Notes
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Live. Next update due 22/11/25
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