Habitat
Rocky and algal-covered seabeds, 1–125 m, common around the Rock.
All species
Nursehound Shark
Scyliorhinus stellaris
Not aggressive
A handsomely spotted catshark of rocky reefs and seagrass meadows.
Maximum size
1.3–1.6 m
Aggressiveness
Not aggressive
Ecology
Lays distinctive 'mermaid's purse' egg cases attached to seaweed.
Feeding
Bottom-dwelling fish, octopus, crustaceans, and other small sharks.
Behaviour
Nocturnal; rests in caves and crevices by day.
Safety notes
Completely harmless. A delight for night divers.
Conservation status
IUCN: Near Threatened.
Sources & Citations
Data compiled from peer-reviewed and authoritative open sources. Last reviewed 2026.
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Conservation status for each species.
- The Shark Trust — Species Database
Biology, ecology and identification.
- FishBase
Maximum sizes, distribution and life-history data.
- Florida Museum — International Shark Attack File
Documented species behaviour around humans.
- Nature Gibraltar / Gibraltar Ornithological & Natural History Society
Local marine fauna records around the Strait.