Details
Anarrhichthys ocellatus
Wolf-eel is a fish associated with reefs and coasts. It is carnivorous and often found in pairs. It remains widespread in parts of its range, but local habitat change still matters.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
Its range is represented here by the Pacific and the Nearctic, where it uses reefs and coasts. Mobile species may shift habitat use with season, breeding sites, or food availability.
Typical length 100-240 cm, weight 5 kg-18.5 kg. It has a finned fish body plan, with proportions shaped by its habitat and mode of movement.
It is active in bouts across day and night and often found in pairs. Spacing, group size, and visibility can change with season, feeding conditions, and breeding activity.
It is carnivorous. Food choice and foraging style are tied to life in reefs and coasts, so movements often follow available food resources.
Breeding usually involves spawning, with eggs and young developing in suitable freshwater, coastal, or reef habitats.
Recorded scientifically as Anarrhichthys ocellatus. It remains widespread in parts of its range, but local habitat change still matters. In this guide, size, habitat, and activity pattern are useful first clues for recognition.
