Family: Anarhichadidae, Wolffishes view all from this family

Description To 5' (1.5 m). Elongate, greatest depth at nape, tapering to slender caudal peduncle; color varies with substrate: purplish, brownish, bluish-gray, olive, or combinations of these; 10 or more irregular bars on sides. Maxilla reaches beyond small eye; teeth conical anteriorly, molarlike posteriorly. Pectoral fin broad at base, fanlike; no pelvic fins; dorsal fin spines numerous, flexible; dorsal fin long, continuous, begins at nape and of uniform height throughout; dorsal and anal fins separate from caudal fin.

Warning Its large jaws, formidable teeth, and habit of attacking objects and people - in the water or when caught - make this a potentially dangerous species.

Habitat Over hard bottoms from near shore to depths of 85 fathoms.

Range From Greenland and Davis Strait to Cape Cod, occasionally to New Jersey.

Discussion This solitary species is not abundant anywhere. It feeds on a variety of shelled mollusks, echinoderms, and crustaceans.