The Atlantic wolffish (Anarhichas lupus) is a voracious predator found in the cold waters of the North Atlantic Ocean from northern Europe to eastern Canada, including the Arctic Ocean. 

Appearance

As a member of the Anarhichadidae family, the “wolffish family,” this fish is characterized by its large head, cylindrical body, and sharp canine teeth to crush the shells of its prey. 

The color of the fish may vary from gray-brown to greenish shades, which helps them camouflage among the rocky bottom.

The wolf is a fairly large fish, it grows up to 150 cm in length and can weigh more than 25 kg.

A striking feature of the Atlantic wolf is its teeth. This fish has large, powerful jaws with pointed teeth capable of crushing the shells of prey. Its teeth are positioned differently from other fish species. They grow in rows, each with one or two large teeth.

Diet

The Atlantic wolf is a predator and feeds on a variety of prey, including sea urchins, cuttlefish, lobsters, crustaceans, fish and squid.

As we’ve already pointed out, the fish’s teeth are specially adapted to crush the shells of its prey.

Movement abilities

These fish have well-developed fins, which allows them to maneuver and swim well. However, they spend most of their time moving on the seabed using their strong tail fins.

Threats

The Atlantic wolffish faces several threats, including overfishing and habitat loss. The fish is a popular target for commercial and recreational fishing.

The loss of rocky habitats and underwater caves due to activities such as bottom trawling threatens the Atlantic wolffish’s survival. Additionally, climate change is affecting the fish’s habitat, as warming waters are causing it to move further north.