The Nursehound is a robust bottom-dwelling shark belonging to the family Scyliorhinidae, and it is considered the larger relative of the small-spotted catshark. The skin is beige or brown, grey, and feels very rough to the touch. Large, prominent dark spots are spread across the body, distinguishing this species from its smaller relatives because these markings resemble a leopard pattern. Anatomically, the nostrils are separate and do not connect to the mouth, while the eyes are notably larger than those of the common dogfish.

This shark is a permanent resident of the Mediterranean Sea, living almost exclusively on the seabed and preferring hard substrates. It is commonly found on rocky bottoms and in areas with coral formations or gorgonians, where it can find shelter within the reef. Its depth range is 20-150 metres, although it has been recorded at greater depths. It is a nocturnal species that sleeps in rock crevices during the daylight hours and becomes active after sunset.

It is significantly larger than the common small spotted catshark. The usual catch length ranges from 80 centimetres to 1.2 metres. It can reach a maximum length of 1.6 metres and a weight exceeding 8 kilograms, which makes it a substantial predator of the seabed.

The Nursehound is an egg-laying species that reproduces year-round, with a peak in the summer months. The female lays large eggs protected within tough and horny capsules that measure 10 to 12 centimetres in length. These capsules are often called mermaid purses, and they are larger and tougher than those of the smaller catshark species. Thick fibres at the ends allow the capsules to anchor firmly to gorgonians or seaweed on the seabed, preventing them from being washed away. The hatching process is slow and can take up to 12 months.

It is caught as bycatch with nets and heavy bottom longlines or trawls. The skin is extremely hard and rough, and carpenters used it in the past as natural sandpaper for smoothing wood surfaces. The meat is edible and quite tasty if the fish is skinned correctly, and it is usually served fried or in soups. It has low commercial value and is often sold at low prices or discarded by professional fishermen.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies the Nursehound as Near Threatened in the Mediterranean because populations are declining in some areas due to overfishing. Scientific studies show that this species has slow growth rates and low reproductive capacity, making it vulnerable to environmental pressures. Research on its physiology has revealed highly developed senses of smell and electroreceptors, which allow the shark to locate prey in total darkness.