How to Identify Atlantic Wolfish

To identify Atlantic Wolfish (Anarhichas lupus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

eel-like

Coloration

Variable, typically greenish-gray, brownish-gray, or purplish-brown, often with irregular dark bands or spots on the sides. The belly is usually lighter.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Large, blunt head with powerful jaws, Prominent, canine-like teeth at the front of the jaws, followed by molar-like crushing teeth, Elongated, eel-like body, Small, embedded scales (almost appearing scaleless), Long dorsal fin extending from head to tail

Dorsal fin

A single, very long dorsal fin (58-69 rays) extending from just behind the head almost to the caudal fin, without any spines.

Tail fin

Small, rounded, and distinct from the dorsal and anal fins.

Pectoral fin

Large, rounded, and fan-like.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are absent. The anal fin is also long (42-48 rays) but shorter than the dorsal fin.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Head and Mouth

   Look for the large, blunt head and the prominent, powerful jaws armed with large, conical teeth at the front and molar-like teeth further back. This dentition is unique among North Atlantic fish.

2. 2

   Body Shape

   Its elongated, somewhat eel-like body, combined with the large head, is a key identifier.

3. 3

   Fins

   The very long dorsal fin extending almost the entire length of the back, the absence of pelvic fins, and the rounded pectoral fins are characteristic.

4. 4

   Coloration

   While variable, the greenish-gray to brownish-gray body with irregular dark bands or spots is common.

5. 5

   Scales

   The skin appears smooth and scaleless, though it possesses very small, embedded cycloid scales.

Explore Atlantic Wolfish