Fact File: Common Name(s): Lesser Spotted Dogfish (Small Spotted Catshark) Scientific Name: Scyliorhinus canicula  (Linnaeus, 1758) Usual Size: Believed to 100cm, although within UK waters maximum length probably to 80cm UK Record Weights from rod/line: Shore:4lb 15oz 3dr Boat:4lb 6oz 8dr MAFF Minimum Size: Shore: Boat:

Identification: Upper side of the body usually light brown covered with darker spots, although some sharks will be darker and occasionally shown quite defined saddle markings. May occasionally have a smattering of white spots. Breeding: Oviparous. (egg laying) Eggs laid 2 at a time and the female may lay as many as 5/7 eggs per week during the breeding season (November to July) - hatching size 9 to 10cm. Females mature at 44cm Habitat: Bottom dwelling shark, with a liking for sandy, coral type structures, mud, gravel and algal areas. Found in very shallow waters to 110m Food: Mainly crustaceans (crabs and shrimps) and molluscs (especially whelks) occasionally small fish and squid. Range: North Eastern Atlantic to Senegal Additional Notes: Occasional hermaphrodite examples are caught, showing signs of both sexual organs. REFERENCES: A Field Guide to The Sharks of British Coastal Waters - Vas 1991 FAO Species Catalogue 4 - Sharks of The World - Compagno Fishes of the North-Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean - Whitehead, Bauchot, Hureau, Nielsen, Tortonese Key to the Fishes of Northern Europe - Wheeler

Additional Pictures:

Found by Charlie McFadyen aged 6

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