Atlantic wolffish (Anarhichas lupus)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Anarhichas lupus
- Common name
- Atlantic wolffish
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Anarhichadidae
- Genus
- Anarhichas
- Size
- 100–150 cm
- Depth
- 1–600 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- rocky-reef
- Behaviours
- solitary
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean
Description
Anarhichas lupus reaches 1.5 m and 23 kg. Wolffish (Anarhichadidae) North Atlantic boreal with elongated eel-like blue-gray body marbled with distinctive dark patterns and impressive jaws lined with spectacular incisive and molar teeth capable of crushing urchin shells, bivalve mollusks and crustaceans (hence wolffish, careful handling). Lives from 1 to 600 m on rocky drop-offs of North Atlantic (Norway, Iceland, UK, Northwest Atlantic). Diurnal predator. Iconic wide-angle photo subject of Norway dives for characteristic face.
Photo of Atlantic wolffish
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Atlantic wolffish?
- Atlantic wolffish (Anarhichas lupus) reaches 100–150 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Atlantic wolffish?
- Atlantic wolffish is found between 1–600 m deep.
- Is the Atlantic wolffish dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Atlantic wolffish?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Atlantic wolffish?
- Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.
Other species in the genus Anarhichas
Other species in the family Anarhichadidae
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 126758)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 8006460)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia