WOLF EEL

ABOUT WOLF EELS

The Wolf Eel (Anarrhichthys ocellatus) is an elongated marine fish native to the North Pacific. Despite its name and snake-like appearance, it is not a true eel. It belongs to the wolffish family, Anarhichadidae.

Wolf Eels occur along rocky coasts and reefs from the Pacific coast of North America across portions of the northern Pacific. Adults commonly settle into caves and rocky crevices, where their long bodies can remain hidden while their large heads extend from the entrance.

Their most impressive tools are their jaws. Adult Wolf Eels feed heavily on hard-shelled animals including sea urchins, crabs, clams, mussels, snails and sand dollars. Strong jaws and broad crushing teeth help break through shells that many other fish cannot easily eat.

Young Wolf Eels look dramatically different from adults. Layton Aquarium notes that juveniles are orange, while adults gradually become gray. Monterey Bay Aquarium also documents this bright juvenile coloration before the fish settle into rocky habitats as they mature.

Wolf Eels also show remarkable parental care. A male and female may form a long-term pair. After eggs are laid, both adults coil around the spherical egg mass and protect it, taking turns leaving the nest to feed while the other stays behind.