Murgey, smallspotted catshark, “sweet William” (in some markets)
A small, slender-bodied shark, the lesser spotted dogfish is brownish-grey in colour with darker spots across its back and flanks. It has rough, sandpaper-like skin, large eyes, and two small dorsal fins set far back on the body. Typically reaching 60–80cm in length, its firm flesh is encased in a tough, leathery skin that can be difficult to remove.
Found on sandy, muddy, or gravel seabeds from shallow coastal waters to depths of over 400m. Common across the northeast Atlantic, including around Cornwall. Dogfish are benthic feeders, preying on small fish, crustaceans, and molluscs. In Cornwall, they are caught as bycatch in demersal trawl fisheries.
Sustainability Rating
Status: Lesser spotted dogfish are relatively abundant in UK waters, though as a slow-growing shark species, they are vulnerable to overfishing.
Best Choice: Fish caught as bycatch in well-managed Cornish demersal fisheries using selective gear with good reporting practices.
Avoid: Dogfish from poorly managed fisheries or regions with unregulated catch and limited stock data.
Culinary Uses
Rarely used in Cornwall, dogfish has firm white flesh and a mild flavour.
It can be filleted and pan-fried, grilled, or used in stews and curries.
Often sold under alternative names like “rock salmon” or “sweet William.”
Due to its tough skin, careful preparation is needed. More commonly used as bait than for food.
Best Fishing Practices
Most dogfish in Cornwall are landed as bycatch rather than targeted.
Selective gear and proper handling reduce discard mortality.
Fishers are encouraged to land them whole and within size guidelines, supporting traceability and better monitoring.
Seasonality
Available year-round, as they do not undertake long seasonal migrations. Landings may vary depending on fishing effort and area.
Supporting Local, Sustainable Seafood
While lesser spotted dogfish are currently stable in UK waters, they should be used with caution due to their vulnerability as a shark species. Supporting responsible bycatch practices and ensuring low-impact sourcing helps protect populations while utilising this often-overlooked species.
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