Fin's Fish Guide
The Atlantic wolffish (Anarhichas lupus) is a saltwater fish of the family Anarhichadidae that grows up to 150 cm.
Northeast Atlantic from Svalbard and the White Sea to the Scandinavian coast; northwest Atlantic from Labrador to Cape Cod.
Description
The Atlantic wolffish is a stout, eel-like bottom fish of the family Anarhichadidae reaching about 150 cm. The body is greyish-green to brownish with ten to fifteen dark cross-bars that extend into the long dorsal fin. The species is famous for its powerful jaws, with large canine teeth at the front and rounded pavement molars behind, used to crush shellfish, crabs, lobsters and sea urchins. The wolffish lives solitarily on rocky bottoms of the northern Atlantic and North Sea, usually between 18 and 110 m. The males guard the egg clutch until the young hatch. It is a valued food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Atlantic wolffish?
The Atlantic wolffish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Eel-shaped bottom fish with powerful canines and pavement-like molars for crushing shellfish, crabs and sea urchins; 10-15 dark vertical bars.
Where does the Atlantic wolffish live?
The Atlantic wolffish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northeast Atlantic from Svalbard and the White Sea to the Scandinavian coast; northwest Atlantic from Labrador to Cape Cod.
How big does the Atlantic wolffish get?
The Atlantic wolffish grows to a maximum of about 150 cm.
Is the Atlantic wolffish dangerous to humans?
No, the Atlantic wolffish is harmless to humans. Not dangerous in the water, but the powerful jaws can bite hard when handled; take care with a captured fish.
Is the Atlantic wolffish edible?
Yes, the Atlantic wolffish is commonly eaten.
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Same genus Anarhichas
More from the family Anarhichadidae
Want the complete picture on the Atlantic wolffish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Atlantic wolffish is one of 12,519 species in the app.