Wolf Eel
(Anarrhichthys ocellatus)

image of a Wolf Eel

Image ID: 38-01

Other shots:  image of a Wolf Eel  image of a Wolf Eel  image of a Wolf Eel  image of a Wolf Eel  image of a Wolf Eel
Comments : This Wolf-Eel (which I presume is a female), appears to be a relatively new inhabitant of the Sunrise wall. I first spotted her here in February 2001, finding her in a well hidden den in the south end of the wall. Her color seems to change from almost blue (as in this picture) to more grayish/white, depending upon the angle you look at her. Still timid around divers, she would only come about half way out of her den for a herring. Several months later, she would willing come all the way out of her den (in fact, I had to fend her off when she saw the herring). If you know where to look, Sunrise is almost automatic for finding Wolf Eels. As this is a high current area, make certain you dive this location at slack on small tidal exchanges.
Common name : Wolf Eel
Scientific Name : Anarrhichthys ocellatus
Location Found : Sunrise Beach, South Puget Sound
Actual Size : 36 inches
Camera Used : Sea & Sea MMII EX w/close-up lens, ISO 100 film, 35mm
Natural History :