Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Anguilliformes
- Family
- Anarhichadidae
- Genus
- Anarhichas
- Species
- denticulatus
Habitat
Northern wolffish primarily inhabit cold, deep waters of the North Atlantic Ocean, from the Arctic regions down to the Bay of Biscay. They prefer rocky or muddy substrates on the continental shelf and slope, at depths ranging from 50 to 1500 meters, where they seek shelter in crevices and caves.
Diet
They mainly feed on hard-shelled invertebrates such as crabs, sea urchins, and mollusks, using their strong teeth to crush and consume prey. Feeding behavior is benthic and opportunistic, often occurring at night on the ocean floor.
Behavior
Northern wolffish are solitary and territorial, typically residing in dens or crevices on the seafloor to ambush prey. They are primarily nocturnal hunters and can exhibit aggressive behavior when threatened or handled. This species is not highly migratory, preferring to stay in specific deep-water habitats.
Conservation Status
Listed as Not Evaluated by IUCN.