Wolf eel

February_2,_2012_Wolf_Eel_(really_a_fish%21)_in_Puget_Sound_(6842178290)

Species of fish

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Wolf eel
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Perciformes
Family:	Anarhichadidae

The wolf eel (Anarrhichthys ocellatus) is a species of marine fish in the family Anarhichadidae. Despite its name, it is not a true eel but is instead a member of the order Perciformes. The wolf eel is known for its distinctive appearance and unique behaviors.

Description

Wolf eels have elongated bodies that can grow up to 2.4 meters (8 feet) in length. They have a large head with strong jaws and sharp teeth, which they use to crush the shells of their prey. Their skin is thick and leathery, often covered in a mottled pattern of gray, brown, and green. Juvenile wolf eels are typically orange with large dark spots.

Habitat

Wolf eels are found in the North Pacific Ocean, ranging from the Sea of Japan and the Aleutian Islands down to California. They prefer rocky reefs and crevices where they can hide and hunt for food. They are often found at depths ranging from 10 to 226 meters (33 to 741 feet).

Behavior

Wolf eels are known for their monogamous pair bonds. They often share a den with their mate, and both parents take part in guarding their eggs. The female lays a large mass of eggs, which the pair will protect until they hatch. Wolf eels are also known for their curious and relatively docile nature towards divers.

Diet

The diet of the wolf eel consists mainly of crustaceans, mollusks, and echinoderms. They use their powerful jaws to crush the shells of crabs, sea urchins, and clams. They are also known to eat fish and other small marine animals.

Reproduction

Wolf eels reach sexual maturity at around 4 to 7 years of age. During the breeding season, the female lays a large cluster of eggs, which are then fertilized by the male. The eggs are adhesive and stick together in a mass, which the parents guard diligently. The incubation period lasts several months, after which the larvae hatch and are planktonic for a period before settling to the bottom.

Conservation

Currently, there are no major conservation concerns for the wolf eel. However, like many marine species, they can be affected by habitat destruction and pollution. They are sometimes caught as bycatch in commercial fisheries, but this does not appear to significantly impact their populations.

In Captivity

Wolf eels are sometimes kept in public aquariums due to their unique appearance and interesting behaviors. They require large tanks with plenty of hiding places and a diet that includes hard-shelled prey to keep their teeth healthy.

See also

• Eel
• Perciformes
• Marine biology
• North Pacific Ocean