The largest specimen recorded measured 150 cm long and weighed almost 18 kg Its body is long, subcylindrical in front, compressed in the caudal portion, smooth and slippery, the rudimentary scales being embedded and almost hidden in the skin. In spite of its large size, the Atlantic wolffish has retained the bodily form and general external characteristics of small blennies.

Wolffish population success is also an important indicator of the health of other bottom-dweller populations, such as cod. They are also an important factor in controlling green crab and sea urchin populations, which can become overly disruptive to habitats if left unchecked. Although it looks fearsome, the Atlantic wolffish is only a threat to humans when defending itself out of the water.Īpart from their unique appearance wolffish are distinguished by the natural antifreeze they produce to keep their blood moving fluidly in their very cold habitat, involvement by both the male and female in brood bearing, and the large size of their eggs. The numbers of the Atlantic wolffish are rapidly being depleted, most likely due to overfishing and bycatch, and is currently a Species of Concern according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Marine Fisheries Service.

The Atlantic wolffish, also known as the seawolf, Atlantic catfish, ocean catfish, devil fish, wolf eel, woof or sea cat, is a marine fish, the largest of the wolffish family Anarhichadidae.

Wolf eel eating sea urchin