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Small-spotted Catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula)
Key Findings
Classified as ‘of Least Concern’ by the Scottish Government (2011), small-spotted catshark (Fig. 1) are abundant in Scottish waters. Though they are considered one of the most common shark species in the UK, population numbers are something of an unknown with many individuals caught in trawling activities (Lauren Smith, 2024).
They live at the seabed near to shores all over the UK. (Wildlife Trusts, n.d.), often spending time in groups as they are quite sociable (Shark Trust, 2019). They are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs that to hatch their young. These eggs often wash up onto beaches, known colloquially as ‘mermaids’ purses’ due to their satchel-like shape.
Figure 1: (Lauren Smith, Saltwater Life UK) Small-spotted Catshark
Notes
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Key sources of Information
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Status
Live. Next update due 22/11/25
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