Spotted wolffish (Anarhichas minor)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Anarhichas minor
- Common name
- Spotted wolffish
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Anarhichadidae
- Genus
- Anarhichas
- Size
- 100–180 cm
- Depth
- 25–600 m
- IUCN status
- Near threatened (NT)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- rocky-reef, mud
- Behaviours
- solitary
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic
Description
Anarhichas minor reaches 1.8 m and 24 kg. Largest wolffish (Anarhichadidae) worldwide. North boreal-arctic Atlantic with elongated eel-like green-brown to gray-brown body covered with distinctive rounded black spots (hence spotted wolffish), phenomenal jaws with brutal teeth. Lives from 25 to 600 m on rocky drop-offs and muddy bottoms of Northeast and Northwest Atlantic, Arctic. Listed NT by IUCN. Moderate commercial fishery. Iconic wide-angle photo subject. More impressive and deeper than A. lupus.
Photo of Spotted wolffish
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Spotted wolffish?
- Spotted wolffish (Anarhichas minor) reaches 100–180 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Spotted wolffish?
- Spotted wolffish is found between 25–600 m deep.
- Is the Spotted wolffish dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Spotted wolffish?
- IUCN status: Near threatened (NT).
- Where can you find the Spotted wolffish?
- Found in: East Atlantic.
Other species in the genus Anarhichas
Other species in the family Anarhichadidae
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 126759)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2392194)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia