Can sharks swim in the Black Sea. Shark attacks in the Black Sea on people, are there

On the shores of the Black Sea there are densely populated countries, but at the same time the reservoir is completely isolated from the open oceans. Such conditions are rather unattractive for such dangerous aquatic predators as sharks. Despite this, many tourists, going on vacation to the Black Sea coast, are wondering if there are sharks in the Black Sea.

The growth of such interest is due, as a rule, to the increasing cases of shark attacks on vacationers at various resorts in the world.

Which sharks are dangerous to humans?

To date, there are about 450 species of sharks in the world, which differ in size, living conditions and life. For example, the length of the body of the smallest shark does not exceed 170 mm, but the representatives of the most large predators can reach 20 or more meters in length.

Such impressive parameters are distinguished by a whale shark, which is also considered the most big fish on the planet. But it should not be assumed that big sizes sharks necessarily testify to its aggressiveness towards people.

So, whale sharks never attack swimmers, because they feed exclusively on plankton. Of particular danger to a person can be his meeting with: a bull shark, which leads in the number of attacks on a person; white shark, which was taken as main character many films about these predatory inhabitants of the oceans, which is not unreasonable; tiger shark, which is characterized by the highest prevalence throughout the globe; long-winged shark, also related to extremely dangerous species;

shark - mako; the gray reef shark, which often attacks divers; hammerhead shark (attacks quite rarely); the sand shark, which also attacks swimmers on rare occasions; the blue shark, whose known number of attacks on humans does not exceed 40 cases, a quarter of which nevertheless led to the death of the victim; lemon shark, which is also credited with a certain aggressiveness and danger towards humans, despite the absence of serious attacks.

Sharks in the Black Sea.

Sharks still live in the Black Sea, but the identified species do not pose any danger to humans.

We are talking about the spotted or cat shark skillum and the katran shark, which is also popularly called the sea dog or prickly shark.
shark katran The size of representatives of this species of sharks, as a rule, does not exceed one and a half meters, and only in rare cases have fish been recorded about 2 meters long. sharks of this type do not belong to centenarians, because their life expectancy does not exceed 20 years. The basis of food is small fish.

As a rule, sea dogs can most often be found only in sea depths, because their appearance on the surface of the sea is a rarity. Sharks move and hunt mainly in packs. Cat shark It should be noted that the cat shark does not belong to the permanent inhabitants of the Black Sea, because more familiar conditions for its living are formed in the Mediterranean Sea and on the Atlantic coast.

Researchers confirm the fact that representatives of this type of sharks enter the Black Sea through the Bosphorus

The cat shark is distinguished by its small size and short duration life. So, the length of fish rarely reaches 1 meter, but cat sharks live no longer than 12 years, while giving preference to coastal and near-bottom areas.

The main diet of sharks is represented by a variety of sedentary organisms that can be found at the bottom of the sea, but hunting for active fish for representatives of this species of sharks is a rarity.

Are the "guests" dangerous? mediterranean sea?

Both species of sharks found in the Black Sea do not pose any danger to humans. But given the fact that the cat shark most often swims from the Mediterranean Sea, many have a well-founded question regarding the likelihood of movement and more dangerous "guests". In fact, dangerous predators live in the Mediterranean Sea, the number of varieties of which reaches 50. At the same time, sharks have been repeatedly discovered, which are credited with the highest danger in relation to humans. We are talking about the bull shark and white. Researchers assure that dangerous predators can get into the Black Sea through the Bosphorus, but very quickly return back, due to unfavorable living conditions.

The fact is that the Black Sea has a lower salt content, and therefore uninvited "guests" return without even sailing far from the Bosphorus. Unfavourable conditions for living dangerous predators in the waters of the Black Sea are also represented by the lack of a full-fledged forage base and temperature difference with the transition to winter period when the water temperature can drop to 9 degrees. In such conditions, dangerous predators are simply not able to survive and adapt, so you can safely go on vacation to the Black Sea without fear of meeting with predators.

Wondering if there are sharks in the Black Sea? And it's not even about horror films from childhood, but about the most ordinary human concern for one's life and health.

Are there sharks in the Black Sea?

The answer to such a question can instill fear in front of ignorant people, because this answer: "Yes" and this is a scientifically proven fact.

What predators live?

You can exhale - the sharks that live in the waters of the Black Sea are practically not dangerous for humans because of their small size and caution. During the day, they hide in depth and do not interfere with their presence of vacationers.

When meeting with fishermen, Black Sea sharks do not attack them, but go to the bottom.

In addition to sharks, there are other dangerous ones in the Black Sea:

Jellyfish. Cornerot is dangerous, it can sting a person quite seriously with its poison;
sea ruff or scorpionfish. It has clawed teeth and poisonous glands located on its fins;
sea dragon. In appearance, a harmless fish has poisonous glands next to the spike on the gill cover and on the first dorsal fin, which is a great danger to people;
stingray stingray. There is a sharp thorn on its tail, which can grow up to 35 cm. The injection of this protective element is very painful.

Unfavorable living environment

The Black Sea is unfavorable for the life of large, dangerous sharks for a number of reasons. At a depth of about 60-70 meters, the Black Sea waters contain hydrogen sulfide, which is not suitable for the breath of most shark species.

And one more fact why there are no dangerous sharks in the Black Sea. Due to the lack of diversity and quantity of marine fauna, large predators simply nothing to eat in the Black Sea. The low-salinity waters of the Black Sea are not suitable for life big sharks that got into it from .

Black Sea types of thunderstorms of the seas - photo

Only two shark species.

Katran

Also called dogfish or the Black Sea shark - the most famous predator Black Sea. main feature this shark has spines on its fins that are designed for protection. They are covered in poisonous slime. There are cases when a person could suffer from this shark while sorting the catch, injuring himself on poisonous spikes.

Katrans do not like solitary swimming and prefer to stray into common flocks.

The katran has a streamlined elongated shape, this allows you to develop great speed. These sharks live at a depth of up to 40 meters, a little deeper in summer, as they prefer water with a temperature of 14-15 degrees. An adult katran is no more than 160 cm long and lives for 25 years. Prefers to eat herring, horse mackerel, squid and even octopus. Avoids meeting people.

feline

The cat shark is also known as scillium. It has a fairly small size - an average of 60-70 cm. The shark's body is covered with spots, which makes it similar to representatives of the feline species. Hunts in shallow water, feeds on small fish and crustaceans. Due to its size, it is often included in the diet of larger counterparts. It usually lives at a depth of 80-100 meters.

This nocturnal predator sees perfectly in darkness. During the day he prefers to lead a sedentary lifestyle. Basically, this species of sharks lives along the coast. Atlantic Ocean and in the Mediterranean Sea, from where it enters the Black Sea through the Bosporus during the migration period.

Blue, spiny and pygmy sharks can be found in the waters Adriatic Sea. Where is it - read in.

Sea killers and cases of attacks on people

Most of the statements that there are dangerous sharks, with relatives of fishing tales. And they belong to the most mysterious and dangerous species of sharks in the World Ocean.

goblin shark

Differently goblin shark. Possibly the oldest and little-studied species sharks on the planet. The only deep sea shark. Scientists came across the bones of a goblin shark 80 million years old.

This fish acquired such an ominous name for a reason. The goblin has a large sensitive protrusion on the nose, which does not add to its attractiveness, and a mobile jaw that moves far forward at the sight of prey. It prefers depths over 300 meters and never rises to the surface. Meets Enough seldom and was considered extinct for many years.

Compared to the Black Sea sharks, the goblin has an impressive size. Length adult more 3 meters.

Even the color of this shark remains a mystery, presumably it is pink, but in the event of a death of a shark, it changes to brown.

Shark has interesting features:

electroreception. That is, it is capable of receiving electrical impulses from environment. This helps her to get food in the dark sea depths;
She has another ability. deep sea fish- her eyes glow in the dark greenish light.

The goblin feeds on shellfish and fish. shark in all oceans except for the Arctic, preferring warm and temperate waters. Most often found off the coast of Japan.

In December 2010, information appeared in the media that in the Black Sea in the region, fishermen was caught goblin shark. No one, except for the shark itself, was hurt. There were photos, video reports, interviews. However, experts considered the information a "duck". How dangerous the goblin shark actually is is also not known.

white torpedo

shark eater. The name speaks for itself. This is one of the largest predators on the planet. Its length reaches 7 meters. With its huge size, the shark is quite smart and curious, it has a well-developed sense of smell, which allows you to smell prey several kilometers away.

The shape of a shark resembles torpedo, which allows it to reach speeds of up to 24 kilometers per hour. Can dive to a depth of more than 1000 meters. White sharks live 60 years. Adults feed on big fish, seals, sea lions, cephalopods, can attack other sharks and even whales.

Big White shark gained a reputation as a killer due to numerous cases of attack on a person. This shark lives in the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans.

According to scientists, the entry of white sharks from the Mediterranean Sea through the Bosphorus is quite probably, but they will not swim far from the strait and coast - water temperature drops in winter and summer are not suitable for them.

White sharks are thermophilic - they live in waters heated from +12 to +24 degrees.

Here are some cases of the appearance of white sharks near the Black Sea from the world of news:

in 2008 And 2009 years in the area of the Dardanelles in the net, fishermen from Turkey came across cubs of white sharks;
in July 2011 Turkish fishermen caught a juvenile great white shark in the same region;
in September 2016 all the same fishermen found a flock of white sharks in the Bosphorus off the coast.

blue sea queen

This type of shark got its name because of the unusual gray-blue color. The size is more modest than white, adults reach 4 meters. This species lives in Indian and Pacific Oceans. Prefers temperate and calm waters.

The blue shark is an excellent hunter, loves small fish, in coastal waters may attack waterfowl. This fish does not distinguish colors, but has phenomenal sense of smell.

With a man at the blue shark complicated relationship. In Malaysia, the blue shark is commercial fish and it is from there that it gets to gourmet tables different countries. But the predator herself does not remain in debt. Probability of attack especially large in the open ocean.

Less often, careless swimmers in warm lagoons can also be attacked by blue sharks.

On April 12, 2015, a blue shark attacked a photographer in south Florida, with only a bitten forearm. According to the victim, he provoked shark in pursuit of the perfect frame.

And in this video you can learn a little more about one of the Black Sea sharks:

The Black Sea, according to scientists, was formed from a fresh lake that existed eight thousand years ago in its place. The freshwater fauna that lived here before died out due to an increase in the salinity of the water, as a result of which the lower layers of the sea (below two hundred meters) are extremely saturated with hydrogen sulfide, which is a product of its decomposition.

Therefore, the species of animals living in the Black Sea are much less than in the Mediterranean. Sharks are found in the Black Sea, but there are relatively few of them, and only one species. This is a katran shark.

a brief description of

The katran shark has a streamlined shape characteristic of all sharks. Her diet includes only fish. The dimensions of the Black Sea shark are small: from a meter to two or a little more, body weight - no more than twenty-five kilograms. Although in the equatorial waters sharks of this size (albeit of other species) are not at all averse to eating a representative of the Homo sapiens family, the katran is famous for its peacefulness. Nowhere in the world (and katrans are common almost everywhere, even in Australia) has not a single case of a katrans shark attacked a person been recorded. Rather, a careless bather may injure himself on the hard fins or skin of this predator. Katrans are viviparous, and "in one sitting" the female can bring up to thirty fry.

Sharks in the Black Sea as an object of culinary claims

If katrans do not eat people, then people love to eat the meat of this predator. The meat is used to make canned food or balyk, and a very tasty soup is cooked from the fins. Shark entrails have also been used.

From the liver, which has a mass of up to a third (!) Of the total body weight, fat is produced, in which the content of vitamins A and E is high. Tails and heads are used to prepare glue.

However, they must be handled with care.

It is not the teeth that should be feared, but the thorns of the katran. The spines located on the back are covered with poisonous mucus, and if pricked, they can cause a very painful swelling that heals very slowly. However, the usual beach vacationer this is unlikely to be a threat. Rather, one who is engaged in extreme diving should be afraid, and dangerous animals of the sea are his usual partners for posing in front of the camera. Or amateur fishermen who decide to fish out an exotic delicacy.

Prospects for katran

Sharks appeared in the Black Sea seven and a half to eight thousand years ago, when an ancient freshwater lake, after the breakthrough of the Bosphorus Isthmus, connected with the oceans. Sometimes (very rarely) sharks of other species swim here, but they are rather an exception, a phenomenon not typical for the Black Sea. Thus, katrans remain at the top of the food chain in the Black Sea ecosystem. This situation has existed for many thousands of years, and environmentalists see no reason to change it. Rather, marine life (and not just sharks) should be wary of sea pollution due to increased human activity. The Black Sea is perhaps the dirtiest in the world, since its coast has been densely populated since ancient times, and polluted waters from the depths of Europe enter the sea through rivers. Ecologists note that in the last quarter of the last century, the population of dolphins and katrans in the Black Sea has decreased several times. And it is possible that in the future a conversation on the topic “sharks in the Black Sea” will be possible only on the pages of textbooks on zoology.

Are there sharks in the Black Sea and how dangerous are they?

Black Sea long time was a prestigious vacation spot for many Russians, since its warm enough (by Russian standards) waters and numerous comfortable beaches surrounded beautiful nature Caucasus and Crimea. And now such resort places as Black Sea coast Caucasus and Crimean coast take a lot of vacationers, tourists and divers from the most different regions our country.
In connection with the approaching Olympic Games in Sochi, you can expect a large influx of foreign tourists to these beautiful places.
Many Russians planning a vacation trip to the Black Sea coast are interested in the question - is it safe to swim in the Black Sea and what dangerous inhabitants can cause trouble for bathers, swimmers and divers.

More about the Black Sea

Let's try to illuminate the dark places of the Black Sea in detail, once and hopefully forever. First, about the history of the appearance of the Black Sea and the features of its water area.

Over the millions of years of its existence, the Black Sea has repeatedly merged with the Caspian and even the Aral Seas of the Mediterranean basin. According to geophysicists and geologists, old times there was a huge ocean - Tethys, the bay of which was the territories of the seas listed above, as well as the current land areas between them - the Caucasus, Central Asia, and southern Europe. It was about 300 million years ago. A wide variety of marine inhabitants lived in the waters of this ancient ocean bay - from unicellular and plankton to huge predatory monsters armed with powerful teeth and other tools for killing and eating prey.

But the earth's firmament constantly fought with the oceans, trying to win back the territories occupied by Neptune. And so, just over 10 million years ago, the tops of rocks and mountains began to grow and peep out above the surface of the huge Tethys Bay, which today are called the Alps. The Tethys Gulf broke into two components of the water area, one of which included the territories of the present Aral, Caspian, Black and Seas of Azov, including the territory between them (Crimea, Caucasus, part of Kazakhstan and Central Asia). A huge sea was formed, which was called the Sarmatian. The land continued to advance, and now lonely islands appeared - the peaks of the Caucasus and the peaks of the Crimean mountains.

The Aral Sea gradually separated from the water brotherhood of the seas, turning, in fact, into a lake. As the land rose in the territory of the Caucasus, the Caspian also gained independence, the waters of which began to quickly desalinate due to the numerous rivers and streams flowing into it. It should be noted that the salinity of the seas that were part of the ancient Tethys Gulf fluctuated significantly in one direction or another over the entire history of changes in water areas, as a result of which the composition of the fauna that inhabited these seas also changed.

About 20 million years ago, on the site of the modern Black Sea, a lake-sea was formed, the waters of which were very desalinated due to the lack of communication with the ocean and the abundant flow of inflowing rivers.
But here it is!

Approximately 8 million years ago, a strong earthquake broke the shackles that turned the Black Sea into a lake, and through a fault into earth's crust passing through the territory of the present Sea of Marmara, The Black Sea was connected to the Mediterranean straits of the Bosporus and the Dardanelles.
The waters of the Black Sea began to become salty sharply, as a result of which almost all representatives of the animal and flora living in it, and not adapted to living in the waters ocean salinity. global changes in the region were catastrophically fast.

Scientists believe that hydrogen sulfide appeared in the depths of the Black Sea during this period. Some even associate the hydrogen sulfide phenomenon of the Black Sea with massive deposits of organic matter from animals and plants that died during these years.
True or not - no one knows yet, but the fact remains - depths over 150 meters from the surface of the Black Sea are unsuitable for the existence of life due to filling with hydrogen sulfide.
A huge bowl of water turned out to be, in fact, a dead zone. Only one type of bacteria - anaerobic sulfur is able to exist in its depths, and more and more increasing the content of hydrogen sulfide in its waters due to the products of its vital activity.
Perhaps for this reason the most beautiful of the Russian seas has such a gloomy name?

As a result of these natural disasters we got the modern Black Sea - plot sea water with an area of over 420 thousand square kilometers and reaching a depth of 2210 meters. The narrowness of the straits connecting the Black Sea with the Mediterranean cannot provide it with the oceanic salinity necessary for the habitation of many marine animals. The waters of the Black Sea are more than twice as fresh as the waters of the Mediterranean.

This is the story of our natural beauty - the Black Sea.

Now we can draw certain conclusions to answer the questions that interest us about the dangerous inhabitants of the Black Sea, primarily sharks.
The main obstacle to the spread of large sharks in the Black Sea is the low salinity of its waters. It is quite probable that these toothy predators get through the straits from the Mediterranean Sea, but they will probably not swim far from the Bosporus and the coast of Turkey - the water is not tasty. A small amount of salt in the Black Sea water prevents the osmoregulation mechanism in marine animals, so this sea is not suitable for permanent residence of most shark species.

The second reason for the indifference of large sharks to the Black Sea is the lack of a sufficient food supply. Large active predators are constantly in search of food, and, of course, the Black Sea fauna, rather poor due to the too thin layer of sea water suitable for life, is not able to satisfy the appetite of sharks such as great white, tiger or even gray bull.
By the way, gray bull shark could well adapt to the desalinated waters of the Black Sea, however, she will be hungry here, and cold in winter time. After all, if in summer the water in the Black Sea in some places warms up to +30 degrees C, then in winter it can drop to +9 degrees. However, the likelihood of these sharks entering the Black Sea from the Mediterranean is the most real.
The rest of the known man-eating sharks in the Black Sea will not be able to live, and the probability of moving away from the Bosphorus, sharks who accidentally looked from the Sea of Marmara, is negligible. With the same success, one can expect the appearance of blue whales in the waters of the Black Sea (perhaps, this would be more realistic).

Of the large marine inhabitants, only dolphins have mastered the waters of the Black Sea for permanent residence. After all, they do not need either the high salinity of sea water, or great depth diving - they breathe atmospheric air and do not move far from the surface. For food, dolphins have enough small schools of fish that live in the Black Sea.

Sharks, however, still live in the Black Sea. The truth is not those that scare us with numerous horror films and means mass media. Two species were able to adapt to living in the Black Sea - the katran shark and the cat shark. I will not dwell on the description of these sharks, you can find information about them on the pages of this site.
If the first is a native inhabitant of the Black Sea, then the second penetrated here from the Mediterranean Sea. Both of these sharks do not pose a serious threat to humans. Although the katran is sometimes called a dog shark, this is due more to the resemblance of the shark's muzzle to the muzzle of a dog. Yes, these sharks have teeth, but they do not use them against humans. The same can be said about the cat shark - it is completely safe for humans. A great danger is the prickly jagged spike on the fin of the katran, the injection of which can cause trouble in the form of inflammation or secondary infection.

However, in fairness, it should be said that sometimes katrans bite people, usually on the leg or arm, if the shark is strongly disturbed. There have been similar cases in the world practice of communication with quatrans sharks.
So, in the seventies of the last century, information appeared in the press that a half-meter katran bit a woman relaxing on the beach of Evpatoria by the toe. The victim, before being bitten by a shark, stood at a depth of less than a meter.

The media recently flashed reports of a capture in the Crimean region of a very rare fish- goblin sharks. It is difficult to judge to what extent this information is plausible. Theoretically, these sharks cannot live in the Black Sea. But there were no explanations from scientists about this fact in the press. It was only suggested that this shark did not enter the Black Sea of its own accord, but was released here, for some reason, by a lover of aquarium animals.
Sometimes in the press there are sensational reports that the fins of large sharks have been seen in one or another area of the Black Sea. This information is also very little consistent modern idea about the lifestyle of large species of sharks.

The greatest danger for vacationers on the shores of the Black Sea is stingrays, which can seriously injure a bather who steps on his back with their jagged spike, and the stingray injects a portion of poison into the wound, which, although not fatal to humans, will undoubtedly add unpleasant sensations.
These stingrays are numerous in many seas of the World Ocean, injuries to people with their prickly spikes are recorded everywhere. There were, though very few, cases of people dying after being hit by a stingray with a poisonous spike in vital organs. However, stingrays are a rarity in the Black Sea (at least in beach areas), and the likelihood of meeting a resort visitor or swimmer with these fish is extremely small.

Among the others dangerous inhabitants In the Black Sea, small fish can be noted - sea dragons and scorpions. The poisonous spines of these animals can ruin your vacation.

Certain troubles can cause communication with the Black Sea jellyfish cornerot. A slight burning sensation may be felt at the contact site, which, however, quickly passes. The burning sensation is more sensitive when the stinging cells of these jellyfish hit the mucous membranes, but this is not very dangerous either.
Aurelia jellyfish living in the Black Sea is even less dangerous to humans. Its stinging cells almost do not cause concern to a person. However, contact with the eyes and other mucous membranes of any particles from these and other jellyfish should be avoided.

That's all the monsters of the Black Sea. In conclusion, we can say that the Black Sea is perhaps one of the safest seas on Earth in terms of the animals living in it. The main thing is not to step on stingrays and carefully clean the caught fish before cooking so as not to prick yourself on thorns and thorns.

Have a good rest!

About the resort places of the Mediterranean Sea
and sharks living in its waters

Are there sharks in the Black Sea? Naturally, such a question should excite people who came to rest. After all, he immediately assumes the presence of dangerous predators, and fantasy already draws in his imagination a reddened sea and unceasing screams ...

In fact, everything is much more prosaic. Yes, there are indeed several types of sharks in the Black Sea. More precisely, only two. But they are not at all dangerous to humans. Actually, not a single case of a shark attack in the waters of this particular sea has been recorded in history.

If you learn a little more about them, then all the above facts will not cause any surprise. So, let's move on to a more specific analysis of the issue.

What sharks live in the Black Sea?

The Black Sea is an almost completely isolated body of water. From the open ocean, you can get here only through a few straits, which makes this inaccessible place not too attractive for major representatives ocean life.

Besides, large species sharks will not "appreciate" the living conditions that the Black Sea offers - many densely populated areas on the shores, fishing activity, cargo transportation, cruise and pleasure boats. In general, this sea is too active for big sharks.

However, do not forget the smaller brothers of this large family. So, in various areas In the Black Sea there are two types of sharks at once- feline, and prickly, often referred to as a katran.

Common shark of the Black Sea - katran

Black Sea katran, or spotted spiny shark- a small fish, for the most part not reaching one and a half meters in length. However, some individual specimens can grow up to two meters, and sometimes even exceed this figure.

However, you should not worry even about the largest quatrains - this is a waste of time.

Spotted spiny sharks feed on the fish that spread along the Black Sea coast. True, in this they do not limit themselves at all. Their main food, depending on the season, are fish species such as anchovy, horse mackerel, sprat and whiting.

However, any other fish that they meet on the way can be a pleasant addition to the diet. It should also be mentioned that adults of katrans, and in particular this sin large females, can also hunt small dolphins.

The katran cannot boast of a long life, during which one can reach an awesome size. Most often, these fish do not live even two decades.

Katran is a fish easily recognizable by fishermen. Gray-steel, back, sometimes with dark brown patches, smoothly flows into light sides and a completely white belly. Appearance as if copied with some exaggeration from the big brothers, big sharks.

However, the elongated body and mouth, filled with small and quite sharp teeth fade into the background when people notice a pointed rostrum. Thanks to him, the muzzle of the Black Sea shark acquires an almost dog-like expression.

One more distinguishing feature katrana is the skin of the back, dotted with small but very sharp spikes. They are especially densely located around the fin. Any fisherman who has caught spotted shark familiar with the dangerous business of grabbing a fish.

The spikes can go deep enough into the body, but this is not the danger - it is very easy to extract them, because they resemble teeth in shape and are quickly pulled out. The problem is that they are covered in poison, which can bring several unpleasant hours, or even days, to the unfortunate and overconfident grabber.

The way of life of the katrans is flocking, living in fairly large groups near seabed. In summer, flocks rise much higher than in winter - only forty meters from the surface against one hundred and fifty.

Groups of spotted spiny sharks come closest to the surface when the time comes for childbirth - at these moments, approximately in the middle of autumn, the katrans rise off the coast to a depth of twenty to thirty meters.

However, all of the above does not in the least reduce the chances of seeing a Black Sea shark right on the surface of the water.

Cat shark - another predator of the Black Sea

The cat shark is the second of the most common shark species in the Black Sea. This water area is not its usual habitat, unlike the same katran. However, quite a lot of these fish enter the sea through the Bosphorus Strait from the Atlantic Ocean, which serves as their home.

Cat sharks look even less impressive than spotted prickly sharks. The length of the average specimen is on average seventy centimeters. Very large individuals are considered to have grown to a meter, and those that have exceeded this limit are already almost unique fish.

You can meet a cat shark on the coast, but with the same success you can search in the near-bottom areas, quite remote from the coast. In these places, the predator finds its prey. All of it is almost motionless, or slightly mobile. She is treated as annelids and a variety of shellfish.

Often, these sharks also eat crabs, but actively hunting for fish is not in their habits. Such hunting can take place, but this is more an exception than a common occurrence.

The life expectancy of cat sharks is much less than that of the katran, and is only a dozen years. Appearance is not particularly elegant - thin long body light brown color, smoothly flowing into a white belly. The back, sides and fins are often strewn with black or dark spots.

The mouth folds into the usual crescent shape for sharks, but cat sharks are unable to inflict any serious wounds with small teeth. At least this is true for humans.

How to catch a shark?

Sharks are very useful and tasty fish. Perhaps not all and not always, but the katran is quite pleasant in this regard. Easy cooking, delicious meat, lack of bones make this prey really attractive to fishermen of all stripes.

In addition, if you want to catch sharks, then you can start training with a katran - this is small, but worthy representative their families.

You can start fishing at any time of the year, but it is best to approach the matter wisely and go between the end of spring and the beginning of autumn. The weather does not play a special role either, although local fishermen claim that stormy weather - best time for fishing.

The time of day is really important here - you need to go out by boat from the very early morning, otherwise you will have to wait until sunset. It is much more difficult to catch katrans during the day. If you prefer set donks, then the night is yours.

Black Sea sharks are caught in the following ways:

Longline fishing;
On the lure;
To a tyrant;
On a fixed donkey;
From the shore.

These methods differ in preparation, gear used, technique, and sometimes fishing time.

Longline fishing is familiar to many fishermen. Here you will need a hard spinning rod equipped with a multiplier, a sufficiently dense and long fishing line, a heavy sinker, forged hooks, leashes and a nozzle (it can be both live and artificial - in the first case, you need to cut off the tail fin of the fish).

The method of fishing here is this - leashes with hooks are fixed at an equal distance from each other, attached to the main line (using a swivel). After that, the actual fishing begins.

You need to gently wave the stake lowered into the water so that the sinker does not touch the bottom - this will easily scare away the katran. Keep an amplitude of about half a meter and a speed of about five strokes per minute.

Bait

It has already been mentioned which fish attracts the katran the most. Therefore, it would be better to use small live fish as a nozzle. However, you can use such prosaic things as herring heads.

When using baubles, oscillating baubles are best suited, with overall dimensions about one and a half centimeters. Most often, these are two-color products with one dark side, and the other is quite bright. A large sinking wobbler will also work well.

For cat sharks, it is worth using small pieces of herring or mackerel, which was caught a long time ago and managed to lie down for at least a day.

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Conclusion

If you are going to catch a shark in the Black Sea, no matter if it is a spotted prickly shark or a cat shark, be sure to remember that this is still a shark. They are not very aggressive, but they can injure the fisherman who pulls them out of the water.

At the moment when you drag the Black Sea shark into the boat, remember that don't grab her with bare hands - the katran will hurt you with its spikes, and the cat shark will rip you off if it doesn’t twitch in time. So use thick gloves and a gaff.

In addition, you may need help to at least pull the katran out of the water - if the specimen you caught weighs more than twenty kilograms, which happens, albeit not very often, then it will be very difficult for you to extract it yourself.

How long have you had a really BIG CATCH?

When last time caught dozens of HEALTHY pikes / carps / breams?

We always want to get results from fishing - to catch not three perches, but ten kilogram pikes - this will be a catch! Each of us dreams of this, but not everyone knows how.

A good catch can be achieved (and we know this) thanks to good bait.

It can be prepared at home, you can buy it in fishing stores. But it is expensive in stores, and to prepare bait at home, you need to spend a lot of time, and, to be honest, homemade bait does not always work well.

Do you know that disappointment when you bought bait or cooked it at home, and caught three or four bass?

So maybe it's time to use a really working product, the effectiveness of which has been proven both scientifically and in practice on the rivers and ponds of Russia?

It gives the very result that we cannot achieve on our own, all the more, it is cheap, which distinguishes it from other means and there is no need to spend time on manufacturing - ordered, brought and go!

Of course, it is better to try once than to hear a thousand times. Especially now - the season! When ordering, this is a great bonus!

Learn more about bait!