Fin's Fish Guide
The Bull huss (Scyliorhinus stellaris) is a saltwater fish of the family Scyliorhinidae that grows up to 170 cm.
Northeast Atlantic from southern Scandinavia through the Mediterranean Sea to Morocco and Senegal.
Description
The nursehound is a bottom-dwelling catshark of the family Scyliorhinidae reaching about 170 cm. The elongate body is covered with large and small black spots, sometimes with white flecks as well. There are two dorsal fins set far back, and the skin feels rough. The nursehound lives solitarily on rocky and rough bottoms of the north-eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean, usually between 20 and 60 m, hunting benthic invertebrates and fish at night. It is oviparous, laying leathery egg cases ('mermaid's purses'). Fishing pressure has left the species assessed as Vulnerable across much of its range.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bull huss?
The Bull huss has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Bottom-dwelling catshark covered with large and small black blotches, sometimes white ones too; lays leathery egg cases ('mermaid's purses').
Where does the Bull huss live?
The Bull huss lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Northeast Atlantic from southern Scandinavia through the Mediterranean Sea to Morocco and Senegal.
How big does the Bull huss get?
The Bull huss grows to a maximum of about 170 cm. On average the species is around 125 cm.
Is the Bull huss dangerous to humans?
No, the Bull huss is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bull huss edible?
The Bull huss is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Bull huss and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Scyliorhinus
More from the family Scyliorhinidae
Want the complete picture on the Bull huss?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bull huss is one of 12,519 species in the app.