Wolf Eel
(Anarrhichthys ocellatus)

image of a Wolf Eel

Image ID: 31-01

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 : The business end of a Wolf-Eel. Notice the large, sharp teeth. Wolf-Eel feed on crustaceans, like Green Sea Urchins and crabs and therefore have extremely powerful jaws for crushing shells. I have also seen Wolf-Eels grab small Red Octopus, and may take herring from a patient, careful scuba diver. Most Wolf-Eels are too timid (or smart?) to interact with humans, but every so often you can find one that is willing to put up with people in exchange for an easy meal. Again, if you are going to try to feed a Wolf-Eel, beware---they have very sharp teeth and have a hard time telling where the bait stops and the person begins.
Common name : Wolf Eel
Scientific Name : Anarrhichthys ocellatus
Location Found : Sunrise Beach, South Puget Sound
Actual Size : 60 inches
Camera Used : Fuji Endeavor in Ikelite IIIe macro, 400 ISO APS fuji film
Natural History :