Head to head
Nursehound vs Small-spotted Catshark
Nursehound
VS Small-spotted Catshark
The nursehound and the small-spotted catshark are close relatives that both lay mermaid's purses, and beachcombers often find the egg cases of both.
| Nursehound | Small-spotted Catshark | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Scyliorhinus stellaris | Scyliorhinus canicula |
| Relationship | A close relative of the small-spotted catshark, in the same genus | A close relative of the nursehound, in the same genus |
| Size | Usually 1 to 1.5 m long, with a stout body and a broad, flattened head | Usually around 60 to 80 cm long, one of the smallest sharks of European waters |
| Spots | A scatter of large and small dark spots and blotches on sandy brown to grey | Many small dark spots and a few larger blotches on sandy brown |
| Habitat | Rocky seabeds and kelp, resting in caves, crevices, and under overhangs by day | Sandy, muddy, and rocky sea beds, resting on the bottom or in crevices by day |
| Egg cases | Large, tough, oblong cases with long tendrils to anchor them to seaweed | Smaller, tough, oblong cases with curly tendrils at each corner |
| Skin | Thick, rough skin that feels like sandpaper | Rough skin that feels like sandpaper |
| Conservation status | Near Threatened, declining in parts of its range from fishing and habitat loss | Least Concern, widespread and abundant |
Nursehound vs Small-spotted Catshark: common questions
Which one is bigger?
The nursehound, usually 1 to 1.5 m long, while the small-spotted catshark is usually around 60 to 80 cm.
Is the nursehound the same as a bull huss?
Yes, bull huss is another common name for the nursehound, also called the large-spotted catshark.
Do both lay mermaid's purses?
Yes, both lay tough egg cases with tendrils that wash ashore as mermaid's purses, those of the nursehound being larger.