Lesser Spotted Dogfish (Scyliorhinus caniculas)

Average size – 1lb – 2lbs

British Record – 4lb 15oz

The Lesser Spotted Dogfish is one of the most commonly encountered species of fish in South Devon waters. It is a member of the shark family and has the characteristic body shape of most sharks. They are easily identified by their sandy coloured skin which is marked with dark spots. They can, however, easily get confused with their cousin the Greater Spotted Dogfish but can generally be told apart as the Lesser Spotted usually has many smaller spots and are generally a lighter colour. Colouration isn’t the best way to identify most species of fish and this is the case in this instance. The best way to tell the two apart is by checking the nostrils. The Lesser Spotted has a continuous flap that runs between each nostril. The Greater Spotted has a separate, frilled flap underneath each nostril. Both species have skin which is very rough, like sandpaper, and must be handled with care to avoid having your skin scraped off.

The Lesser Spotted dogfish can be caught from all types of venue, except well up estuaries, and on a variety of bait and rigs. Night fishing is generally the best time to catch them when they can occur in great numbers. Fish baits such as mackerel or sandeel are the top bait for these fish, being a shark they can quickly sense the oils released from these baits. If Lesser Spotted Dogfish are around in numbers then often they will be the only fish that will get a look in at your baits. If you have the patience to skin them then dogfish can make a good meal, they don’t contain any bones, just cartilage.