Spotted ratfish reproduce via internal fertilization, and the males have two large, forked claspers, which they use to pass sperm to females.

Do Ratfish lay eggs?

The ratfish lays leathery egg cases on the bottom of muddy or sandy areas, which are often mistaken by divers as something inanimate. While mainly a deep-water species, it occurs at shallower depths in the northern part of its range.

Can you eat spotted ratfish?

While it is often caught as bycatch in commercial fisheries, the spotted ratfish is edible but not tasty: its flesh is described on FishBase as bland with an unpleasant aftertaste. The spotted ratfish has a venemous spine that can cause painful wounds.