Small-spotted catshark
The small-spotted catshark, also known as the lesser spotted dogfish, is a small and harmless member of the shark family, primarily found in the northeast Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Typically reaching lengths of about three feet (one meter) and weighing around four pounds (two kilograms), this catshark stands out with its rough skin, covered in dermal denticles, giving it a sandpaper-like texture. Known for its acute sense of smell and specialized electrical sensors in its snout, the small-spotted catshark effectively hunts for prey on the seabed, feeding on crabs, shrimp, and other bottom-dwelling creatures.
Its unique reproductive strategy involves a long gestation period of eight to nine months, during which the female catshark carries approximately 18 to 20 eggs, providing them with a better chance of survival compared to species that release large quantities of eggs. The young hatch at around four inches (10 centimeters) and are well-developed, ready to begin independent hunting shortly after. Although they face threats from larger fish and seals, the small-spotted catshark is not considered threatened and can live up to 12 years. Overall, this species showcases the diversity within the shark family, contradicting common perceptions of sharks as solely large and fierce predators.
On this Page
Subject Terms
Lesser spotted dogfish
The small-spotted catshark, sometimes known as the lesser spotted dogfish, is one of the more harmless members of the shark family. It can be found throughout the northeast Atlantic Ocean and the Meditteranean Sea. Its skin is covered with thousands of small toothlike bumps called dermal denticles. These give the skin a rough feel like sandpaper. The small-spotted catshark has a very sensitive sense of smell as well as a system of electrical senses. Both of these help the catshark locate its prey.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Carchariniformes
Family: Scyliorhinidae
Genus: Scyliorhinus
Species: Canicula
The small-spotted catshark belongs to the shark family. The image of a shark is typically one of a large, gray, killing machine which moves in and out of the shadows of the ocean depths. The small-spotted catshark, however, proves that sharks come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities. Only growing to a length of around three feet (one meter), the small-spottted catshark is one of the smaller members of its family. The full-grown small-spotted catshark barely weighs four pounds (about two kilograms). Missing from the catshark is the high dorsal fin present on other sharks. The catshark has two large forward fins which act as rudders, helping the fish to steer.
Very little about the small-spotted catshark has changed in the 65 million years of its existence. The physical make-up of the catshark has served it well in its environment so that physical adaptations and evolutionary changes have not been necessary.
The small-spotted catshark does a majority of its feeding on the seabed. Here it finds the staples of its diet, such as crabs, shrimp, bottom-dwelling fish, marine worms, and sea snails. While most sharks are noted for having large, razor- sharp teeth, those of the small-spotted catshark are small, thick, and blunt. The catshark uses its teeth for crushing and cracking the shells of crustaceans and mollusks.
As with other sharks, the catshark has a very sensitive sense of smell. Due to the dark, murky water where the small-spotted catshark hunts, this sense of smell becomes very important in tracking prey that would otherwise be difficult to find. Even when the caatshark is unable to pinpoint its prey by scent, it is still an effective hunter. Using electrical sensors in its snout, the small-spotted catshark is able to detect changes in the electrical system of its prey.
Small-spotted catsharks mate throughout the year, although the timing depends on their range. When the small-spotted catshark mates, the male uses his reproductive organs, called claspers, to inject sperm into the female. This direct depositing of the sperm assures that the eggs are properly fertilized. During the mating process, the male coils his body around that of the female.
The eggs remain in the female for a gestation period of eight to nine months. Most female fish release huge amounts of eggs into the water with only a small percentage of the eggs ever developing into mature fish. The female catshark, however, releases very few eggs in comparison, roughly 18 to 20. She displays great care for the eggs and developing young, bettering their chances of reaching adulthood. When the eggs hatch, the young are approximately four inches (10 centimeters) long and fully developed. They still obtain nourishment from yolk sacs which are attached to their bodies. Soon they hunt for themselves.
Larger fish, other sharks, and seals are the main predators of the small-spotted catshark. They may live up to 12 years. The small-spotted catshark is not a threatened species.
Bibliography
Bester, Cathleen. “Scyliorhinus Canicula – Discover Fishes.” Florida Museum, 1 Jan. 2024, www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/discover-fish/species-profiles/scyliorhinus-canicula. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
Marshall, Tom. “Small-Spotted Catshark.” The Wildlife Trusts, www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/marine/fish-including-sharks-skates-and-rays/small-spotted-catshark. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.