Habitat 
Depth 
Group 
Role 
Average sizeWHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
The four tendrils of the small-spotted catshark egg (Scyliorhinus canicula) arise from the corners of an elongated case. These curled filaments extend well beyond the yellowish to brown rectangle of the covering.
The case has a horny, firm, tough appearance. Varying in translucence, it may reveal the small shark inside.
WHERE DOES IT LIVE?
An alga, sea fan or sponge may carry a catshark egg capsule near the seabed. The tendrils wind around the support, and rocks may also provide attachment points. This attachment holds the capsule within moving water and defines its position during this life stage.
WHAT DOES IT EAT?
Within the capsule, the small-spotted catshark embryo grows using yolk. Nutrients move towards its body as the external sac shrinks and some reserves are internalised. It does not look for food among the animals passing near the egg. Embryo movements and water entering the capsule are not hunting; yolk remains the food source. An internal reserve can continue supporting the transition towards the first independent meals.
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