Small-spotted catshark

In Dive.Explo360: Mediterranean · Northeast Atlantic · Atlantic Ocean

Resting on the seabed during the day, the Small-spotted catshark often goes unnoticed among sand and gravel. At nightfall, this small spotted shark leaves its resting place to explore the seabed for crustaceans, molluscs and small fish.

Habitat de Small-spotted catshark Habitat
Sand, Gravel, Rocky habitat
Profondeur de Small-spotted catshark Depth
1-400 m
Groupe biologique de Small-spotted catshark Group
Benthic fish
Rôle écologique de Small-spotted catshark Role
Apex predator

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The Small-spotted catshark is a small shark with a long, flexible body. Its skin is beige to light brown, scattered with many distinct small dark spots. The belly is paler. Its head is rounded, with a mouth underneath and visible nostrils. Its eyes have a vertical pupil, typical of many species active at night.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It lives on soft seabeds such as sand, mud or gravel, from the coast down to several hundred metres deep. During the day, it often rests on the bottom, sometimes motionless.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

Mainly active at night, it hunts small fish, crustaceans, molluscs and worms that it detects on the seabed through its developed senses.

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