Mermaid's Purse

Casing that surrounds the fertilized eggs of a catshark (Scyliorhinidae).

They are lightweight and commonly washed up by the sea, often found at the strandline, the farthest point of the high tide. The egg cases that wash up on beaches are usually empty, the young fish having already hatched out.

Catsharks may be distinguished by their elongated, cat-like eyes and two small dorsal fins set far back. Most species are fairly small, growing no longer than 80 cm