småskarpe

Småskarpe is a Swedish common name used for several small shark species found in European coastal waters. It is not a formal taxon, but a vernacular group often associated with catsharks in the family Scyliorhinidae, and in particular with the small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula), a widely reported representative in the North Sea and adjacent waters. The term and its exact scope vary by region and field guide.

Småskarpe are typically bottom-dwelling, slender sharks reaching around 0.5 to 1 meter in length. They have rough, tooth-like skin (dermal denticles), two dorsal fins, and a rounded caudal fin. Coloration is mottled or spotted, providing camouflage on sandy or rocky substrates.

Habitat includes shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and the continental shelf, from a few to several dozen meters depth. They prey on small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks, feeding mainly on the seafloor and often more active at night.

Most småskarpe are oviparous, laying egg cases on the seabed. Embryos develop inside the cases for months before hatching. Growth rates are slow in northern and colder regions, affecting population dynamics.

Human interactions include bycatch in trawls and gillnets, and localized fishing pressure. Some populations are protected by regional regulations, while others are assessed as of lower conservation concern. The term remains primarily used in Swedish-speaking fisheries and guides rather than as a scientific category.