When young, this species has an orange-toned body with black spots which are located along the posterior region. The appearance of juvenile wolf eels (Anarrhichthys ocellatus) differs from adults. Wolf Eel Fun Facts What do wolf eels look like? However, climate change leading to a rise in the temperature of seas and oceans is likely to have a negative effect on these creatures who prefer colder waters. Though the exact population of these fish remains unknown, their population is not severely affected by any major threats as they are not usually targeted for fishing or harvesting.
The conservation status of the wolf eel has been marked as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). After a period of about 16 weeks, the eggs hatch and the larvae float towards the upper part of the ocean or the sea, where they spend nearly two years of their lives. Additionally, one parent always stays near the eggs, while the other goes out of the den in search of food. Both male and female wolf eels are known to protect their eggs by wrapping their bodies around them. Wolf eels are quite invested in taking care of their eggs. The female wolf eel lays up to 10,000 eggs after mating. Wolf eels mate for life, so once a suitable mate is found, the pair begin inhabiting a suitable den or rocky reef. Once a wolf eel turns four years old it starts looking for a mate. Wolf eels can live to become 20 years old or more in captivity. Hence, they can be seen in pairs living in their den or any other suitable area, typically for life. However, once they reach maturity, males and females mate for life. Who do wolf eels live with?Ī wolf eel is solitary when juvenile. Once a pair of wolf eels finds a suitable den, they will make that their permanent home, unless they are driven out by a bigger wolf eel or an octopus. They tend to stick their head out of their dens and wait for their prey. The slender body of the wolf eel helps it to settle in such narrow spaces. Wolf eels are particularly fond of living in small cracks and crevices and often end up competing with octopuses who also have the same habitat. However, once they become adults, they settle down in dens, pilings, and rocky reefs. Juvenile wolf eels mostly spend their time in open waters. Wolf eels are also seen in Puget Sound, where they are a major attraction for divers. They occur around the Aleutian Islands of Alaska and off the coast of northern California. Wolf eels are present in the Northern Pacific and the Sea of Japan. Though there is no exact estimation of the number of wolf eels present in the world, their population can be considered to be stable as they are not the common target of fisheries. How many wolf eels are there in the world? They are in the family Anarhichadidae and have the scientific name Anarrhichthys ocellatus. Wolf eels belong to the class Actinopterygii. What class of animal does a wolf eel belong to?
These animals are found in the Northern Pacific Ocean. These fish have a long life and can live for more than 20 years in captivity.įor more relatable content, check out these lamprey facts and lungfish facts for kids.įamily Anarhichadidae Wolf Eel Interesting Facts What type of animal is a wolf eel?Ī wolf eel is basically a fish, even though its name suggests otherwise. Juvenile wolf eels have more predators, including the kelp greenling and rockfish, as they cannot protect themselves adequately.
Some of the common predators who prey on wolf eels are harbor seals, sharks, and bigger fish. They are said to be quite voracious feeders. These fish make use of their strong teeth to feed on mussels, sea urchins, crabs, and more. They look quite scary, but in reality, they hardly ever show aggression unless provoked. Wolf eels have a peculiar appearance with a prominent head, sharp teeth, and a slender body. Wolf eels mainly occupy reefs, rock pilings, and dens where they live with their mate, usually for life. They can be found in the North Pacific, along the coasts of islands near Alaska, along the coast of California, and in the Sea of Japan. Wolf eels are the only species under the Anarrhichthys genus. They are a part of the Anarhichadidae family, which is also known as the wolffish family. The wolf eel (Anarrhichthys ocellatus) is a species of fish with an eel-like appearance.
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