Ways to Give
Become an Ambassador of
Georgia Aquarium
Do you know about our Dolphin Conservation Field Station at Marineland?
Ways to Give
What type of event are you planning?
Explore The Aquarium — Interact
Georgia-Pacific Cold Water Quest
Wolf-eel
(Anarrhichthys ocellatus)
The wolf-eel somewhat resembles a moray eel, but it is actually not an eel at all. It is a member of the “wolffish” family. Despite its menacing appearance, this fish is very shy and docile. It does not attack unless provoked. But it can inflict a painful bite with its long sharp teeth. The adult is dark grey to brown in color, while the juvenile is red-orange.
The wolf-eel is native to near-shore rocky reefs and stony bottom areas in the North Pacific from Japan to Southern California. It lives in a cave or crevice where it establishes a den or lair in which it rests during daylight hours. At night the wolf-eel prowls the reef and nearby bottom areas looking for crabs, clams, snails and sea urchins to eat.
Fun Facts
- The wolf-eel can grow to 8 feet in length and weigh almost 40 lbs.
- Male and female will pair-bond for life and live in the same den.
- Both parents take turns curling their bodies around their egg mass to protect it from predators.
- This fish has a single long dorsal fin that extends from behind its head to the tip of its tail.
- The wolf-eel has molar-like teeth in the back of its mouth for crushing its hard-shelled prey.
- Download full fact sheet
Connect with Georgia Aquarium around the web