Atlantic wolffish

Anarhichas lupus

Scientific name

Anarhichas lupus

Group

Reef fish

Rarity

Rare

Where to see it

Cold / polar waters

Conservation status (IUCN)

Data deficient

Did you know?

The Atlantic wolffish has powerful blunt teeth built for crushing shellfish, sea urchins, and crabs; despite its fearsome look, it's fairly harmless to divers who leave it alone.

What defines this group — Reef fish

The bony fish that live against coral and rock: the living backdrop of almost every dive.

• A bony skeleton, scales, and a rigid gill cover closing over the gills.
• A swim bladder acts as a float: they hold their depth without swimming.
• Many change colour, pattern — sometimes even sex — over the course of their life.

Other species in this group

• Ocellaris clownfish
• Blue tang
• Red lionfish
• Spot-fin porcupinefish
• Mediterranean moray
• Clark's anemonefish