Scyliorhinus canicula

Order: Carcharhiniformes

The lesser-spotted dogfish, sometimes known as the small spotted cat shark, is one of the smallest and most abundant sharks found in the north Atlantic region.

Although closely related to much bigger sharks - including hammerheads, tigers and whalers - the lesser-spotted dogfish typically grows only to a maximum size of 100cm and a weight of around 3kg. Nonetheless, it shares many of the characteristics of its larger and better known cousins and is a voracious predator.

Female lesser-spotted dogfish can lay two eggs at a time (and as many as eight a week) during the breeding season. The eggs are laid inside distinctive capsules, known by some as a ‘mermaid’s purse’, which are often found on seashores and in rock pools.

Maximum size: 100cm/3kg

Distribution: North Atlantic, from northern Europe, as far south as Senegal. Also found in the Mediterranean.

Diet: Small molluscs, crustaceans, small fish and squid.

Reproduction: Oviparous.