D is for Dogfish

Meet the Sharks That Definitely Don’t Bark

Dogfish facts from St Andrews Aquarium

Dogfish may sound like something that should have paws, a wagging tail and a favourite squeaky toy, but there is not a pooch in sight here.

A dogfish is actually a type of shark. In UK waters, the name is commonly used for small shark species such as the lesser-spotted dogfish, also known as the small-spotted catshark, and the bull huss, also known as the nursehound or greater-spotted catshark.

So yes, dogfish are sharks. No, they do not bark. And no, they do not fetch sticks. Although frankly, we would watch that.

What Is a Dogfish?

Dogfish are small to medium-sized sharks that are often found close to the seabed. Unlike the dramatic image many people have of sharks, dogfish are usually shy, secretive and much more interested in hunting for small sea creatures than causing trouble.

They are part of the wider shark family, which means they share many shark features, including a streamlined body, strong senses and a skeleton made from cartilage rather than bone.

At St Andrews Aquarium, dogfish are a brilliant way for visitors to discover that sharks are far more varied, fascinating and misunderstood than their scary reputation suggests.

Explore more of our amazing animals here: Our Animals

Meet the Lesser-Spotted Dogfish

The lesser-spotted dogfish is also known as the small-spotted catshark, with the scientific name Scyliorhinus canicula.

This small, slender shark is one of the most commonly seen shark species in British waters. It has a pale grey-brown body covered in small dark spots and blotches, helping it blend into sandy, muddy or gravelly seabeds. The Shark Trust describes the small-spotted catshark as one of the most abundant shark species in British waters, usually found close to the seabed in shallow coastal habitats.

Lesser-spotted dogfish facts

Scientific name: Scyliorhinus canicula

Also known as: Small-spotted catshark, lesser-spotted dogfish

Size: Up to around 85cm in length

Appearance: Slender body, blunt head, pale colouring and lots of small dark spots

Habitat: Sandy, gravelly or muddy seabeds in coastal waters

Diet: Small fish, crabs, snails, squid, worms and other bottom-dwelling animals

The lesser-spotted dogfish is proof that sharks do not need to be huge to be impressive. Small, spotted and full of character, it is one of the best species for helping children and families understand what sharks are really like.

Meet the Bull Huss

The bull huss is another type of dogfish, but it is larger and chunkier than the lesser-spotted dogfish.

It is also known as the nursehound or greater-spotted catshark, with the scientific name Scyliorhinus stellaris. The bull huss is found in the north-east Atlantic and Mediterranean, often in shallow waters close to rocky shores.

Bull huss facts

Scientific name: Scyliorhinus stellaris

Also known as: Nursehound, greater-spotted catshark, large-spotted catshark, bull huss

Size: Larger than the lesser-spotted dogfish

Appearance: Similar body shape, but bigger, with larger darker patches and spots

Habitat: Rocky seabeds, inshore waters and offshore areas

Diet: Fish, crabs, squid and other small marine animals

One of the easiest ways to tell a bull huss apart from a lesser-spotted dogfish is by looking at its size and markings. Bull huss are generally larger, with bigger spots and bolder markings across the body.

Are Dogfish Really Sharks?

Yes, dogfish are real sharks.

They may not look like the giant sharks people see in films, but they belong to the same fascinating group of animals. Like other sharks, dogfish have a skeleton made of cartilage, excellent senses and a body built for life in the water.

They are also a great reminder that sharks come in many shapes and sizes. Some are huge ocean wanderers, while others are small seabed hunters that spend much of their time resting quietly or searching for food.

What Do Dogfish Eat?

Dogfish are carnivores, which means they eat other animals.

Their diet usually includes small fish, crabs, squid, worms, snails and other creatures found close to the seabed. Rather than chasing prey through open water, dogfish often use their senses to search along the sea floor.

They are basically the ocean’s late-night snack hunters. Very focused. Very spotty. Slightly dramatic.

Do Dogfish Lay Eggs?

Yes, some dogfish lay eggs.

Small-spotted catsharks lay their eggs in tough, leathery eggcases with curly tendrils that help attach them to seaweed or seabed habitats. After several months, a tiny shark pup hatches out as a miniature version of the adult. These empty eggcases can sometimes wash up on beaches and are often known as mermaid’s purses.

The bull huss also lays eggcases, although theirs are larger than those of the small-spotted catshark.

Where Can You Find Dogfish?

Dogfish species can be found around the UK coastline, including British and Scottish waters.

The lesser-spotted dogfish is found across the north-east Atlantic, from Norway down towards the west coast of Africa, as well as in the Mediterranean Sea.

Bull huss are also found in the north-east Atlantic and Mediterranean, and NatureScot records show nursehounds have been recorded around parts of Scotland, particularly in south-west coastal areas.

Why Dogfish Matter

Dogfish play an important role in marine ecosystems. As small sharks, they help keep the balance of life on the seabed by feeding on fish, crustaceans and other marine animals.

They also help visitors understand something really important: sharks are not monsters. They are varied, valuable animals that deserve curiosity, respect and protection.

At St Andrews Aquarium, dogfish help us tell a bigger story about British marine life, shark conservation and the incredible animals living beneath the surface of our seas.

See Dogfish at St Andrews Aquarium

A visit to St Andrews Aquarium is a brilliant way to meet sharks and discover more about the animals that live in our oceans.

From dogfish and tropical fish to rays, reptiles, penguins, meerkats and otters, the aquarium is home to more than 120 fascinating species, making it a fun and educational day out for families in St Andrews.

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