Less Spotted Dogfish

Striking, graceful, and covered in spots, the lesser spotted dogfish is one of the most common sharks found in UK waters. Found gliding along the sandy seabed of coastal waters, if you make a trip to Blue Planet Aquarium, these animals are a must-see!

What is a lesser spotted dogfish?

Scientifically known as Scyliorhinus canicula, the Lesser Spotted Dogfish is sometimes called the small-spotted catshark. This species belongs to the Scyliorhinidae family, a group of bottom-dwelling sharks known for their cat-like eyes and sleek, slender bodies.

Despite its fearsome name, this small shark is completely harmless to humans, choosing instead to feed on small marine animals like molluscs, crustaceans, and worms.

What do lesser spotted dogfish look like?

If you’re on the lookout for a lesser spotted dogfish during your next visit, there are a few key characteristics that you can look out for.

Lesser spotted dogfish are long and slender fish, growing up to 1 metre in length.

Their slender, pale brown body is covered in small, dark spots, which is perfect for blending into a sandy seabed.

Their slender bodies are sandwiched by two dorsal fins that sit further back compared to larger sharks like a great white.

On the side of their heads, large, oval-shaped eyes pierce through dark waters to see prey and potential predators.

And of course, how could we talk about the lesser spotted dogfish without talking about their signature barbels, which they use to detect prey hidden beneath the sand?

Habitat & diet

Lesser spotted dogfish are plentiful fish that can be found in shallow coastal waters and rocky seabeds across the Northeast Atlantic, from Norway all the way to the Mediterranean.

They are nocturnal hunters, feeding on crustaceans, molluscs, and small fish.

During your trip you might see them “walking” across the aquarium floor, using their pectoral fins when searching for food.

Conservation status

The lesser spotted dogfish is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, meaning its population is stable. However, it is frequently caught as a bycatch in commercial fishing, making conservation efforts crucial for maintaining healthy populations and keeping lesser spotter dogfish off the IUCN’s endangered list.

Interesting facts about lesser spotted dogfish

Let’s take a look at some facts that will make you appreciate these wonderful animals even more!

They lay “mermaid’s purses”

Instead of giving birth to live young like many sharks, females lay egg cases that attach to seaweed or the ocean floor. You might even spot one washed up on the beach!

They have tough, sandpaper-like skin

Covered in tiny, tooth-like scales called dermal denticles, lesser spotted dogfish are incredibly hydrodynamic, requiring hardly any energy for them to glide through the water.

Masters of stealth

Their speckled pattern helps them blend seamlessly into the seabed, hiding from predators like larger sharks and seals.

They can survive in low oxygen conditions

Lesser spotted dogfish are perfectly adapted to life near the seabed, they can slow their breathing rate down in areas with lower oxygen levels.

One of the most studied sharks in Europe

Their abundance and resilience across Europe make them a popular species for research and conservation studies.

See lesser spotted dogfish at Blue Planet Aquarium!

Want to see these incredible creatures up close? Our Rockpools exhibit is home to several lesser spotted dogfish, where you can watch them effortlessly glide across the seabed, just as they would in the wild.

Book tickets for your visit today!