Habitat 
Depth 
Group 
Role WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
Catshark eggs, often called ‘mermaid’s purses’, are contained in a rigid, horny case. It is elongated and rectangular, with a pale yellowish shade. Long coiled filaments at all four corners allow the egg to attach to a support. Over time, the case becomes more translucent, sometimes offering a glimpse of the developing embryo.WHERE DOES IT LIVE?
During egg laying, the female deposits her eggs near the seabed. The filaments wrap around fixed supports such as algae, sea fans, sponges or rocks to hold the case in place despite currents.WHAT DOES IT EAT?
The embryo does not feed directly from the outside environment. It uses nutrient reserves contained in a yolk sac inside the case. The egg wall lets water through, allowing the exchanges needed for development.GO FURTHER WITH AMIGANSEAU
Unlock the full profile
Deepen your knowledge with the exclusive chapters and interactive resources included in an AMIGANSEAU licence.
- HOW DOES IT REPRODUCE?
- OUR OBSERVATIONS
- UNDERSTAND THE SPECIES
Also included in the full profile
- Advanced navigation between description, ecological context, observations and behaviour
- Interactive food chain to explore the species’ feeding relationships
- Additional photographic observations