any time of year( but most often November- July), smallspotted catshark mothers twist around kelp, other seaweed or static objects, so the eggcases are tied on by the long tendrils at their corners. They need to be secure because, depending on water temperature, it will be five to 11 months before an egg hatches and a miniature catshark swims out.
Nursehounds are larger and bulkier than smallspotted catsharks, with larger spots over their body and paler eyes. If the underneath of their head is visible, I find their projecting nasal flaps to be the best distinguishing feature. Although generally much less abundant than smallspotted catsharks, I have found a few more since appreciating they often hide( during the day at least) in deep rocky crevices in shallow water, where they are very hard to photograph.
The eggcases of nursehounds are similar but larger, sturdier and more prominent than those of smallspotted catsharks( about 9cm long versus 4cm) and tend to be more visible than their parents. The mothers can come into very shallow water to lay them.
For example, a dedicated citizen scientist( John Hepburn) has, in collaboration with
Smallspotted Catshark resting on the seabed at Chesil
Four female Smallspotted Catsharks in a refuge the Shark Trust, made a long-term study of nursehound eggcase development in Wembury Bay near Plymouth solely by surface snorkelling at very low tides. The study has now led to the area being declared an IUCN Important Shark and Ray Area( ISRA) for nursehound reproduction. Hatchlings have even been seen emerging by lucky rockpoolers in Cornwall and my favourite‘ underwater’ shot of a nursehound eggcase was taken by dipping my waterproof compact into a shore pool. The eggcases are laid in much deeper water too, and the nursehounds around
Lundy, for example, seem to particularly like attaching their precious packages to sea fans and branching sponges.
Talking of eggcases( of catsharks and all skates / rays too)… the Shark Trust is especially keen to get diver records of them developing in situ underwater, through the‘ Great Eggcase Hunt’. Such finds currently make up less than 1 % of their records but are incredibly valuable in helping to identify areas that are important to protect, so helping to safeguard the future of these charismatic creatures. www. sharktrust. org / greateggcasehunt �
Paul’ s photos and video clips capturing UK marine life stories are on Instagram @ paulnaylormarinephoto
Bunch of empty Smallspotted Catshark eggcases washed up next to the Solway Estuary
Smallspotted Catshark eggcases tied onto kelp
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