Sharks of Gibraltar
All species
Small Spotted Catshark

Small Spotted Catshark

Scyliorhinus canicula

Not aggressive

The most commonly seen shark on Gibraltar's reefs — small, slender and harmless.

Maximum size

0.8–0.9 m

Aggressiveness

Not aggressive

Habitat

Sandy and muddy bottoms, 10–400 m. Abundant around the Rock.

Ecology

Lays paired egg cases on seaweed and sponges.

Feeding

Crustaceans, molluscs, polychaete worms and small fish.

Behaviour

Nocturnal; often found resting in groups in caves by day.

Safety notes for visitors

Risk to swimmers: NegligibleRisk to divers: NegligibleEncounter likelihood: Possible

Species-specific: Harmless. Often handled by researchers without incident.

If you encounter one

  • Enjoy the sighting — these species are not considered dangerous to humans.
  • Keep a respectful distance; do not touch, grab or attempt to ride the animal.
  • Avoid blocking its path or cornering it against the seabed or a reef.
  • Report unusual or stranded individuals to GONHS or the Department of the Environment.

General visitor guidance

  • Swim, snorkel and dive in groups and stay close to the shore or your boat.
  • Avoid dawn, dusk and night — visibility is low and many sharks are most active.
  • Do not enter the water with open wounds or near fishing activity, bait or chum.
  • Remove shiny jewellery and avoid high-contrast clothing that can resemble prey.
  • If sharks are reported locally, follow guidance from Gibraltar Port Authority and lifeguards.

Conservation status

IUCN: Least Concern.

Sources & Citations

Data compiled from peer-reviewed and authoritative open sources. Last reviewed 2026.