Congratulations to Brian Barrett and Brian Keegan on completion of their Open Water Course last Friday. Brian Keegan stayed on with us over the weekend to complete his National Geographic Open Water Diver Course.
Brian studied the Scyliorhinus Canicula or Lesser Spotted Dogfish to you & I! Brian’s report is below. Well done Brian
Dogfish are often found ‘snoozing’ on the seabed during the daytime
‘The Dogfish is a member of the catshark family. It is a predator of crabs, worms, and small fish such as gobies, dabs and gurnards. If need be they are also scavengers. They generally grow to about 2-3 feet. They lay eggs every 5-6 days s in mermaid’s purses from July to November. Depending on water temperature they hatch in about 5-11 months.
Conger living next to dogfish on the house reef at Scubadive West
On a personal note this dogfish is very shy and has a conger eel right next to him, not sure if they are buddies or just like each other’s company, but they are generally next to one another.
‘Mermaid’s Purse’ The closest I got to meeting a Mermaid on my trip to Ireland
Humorous side note, I jokingly told someone I am learning to dive in Ireland because I can’t think of a better place to find a mermaid. Well I found her purse so I’m one step closer!!