With Valentine’s Day in the air, it feels like the perfect moment to highlight one of the ocean’s most unexpected romantics—the North Atlantic wolffish, a striking marine species found right here in the Gulf of Maine. Fierce-looking and misunderstood, this remarkable fish is one of the few that mates for life, proving that true love sometimes comes with teeth. Lots of teeth.
A Face Only the Ocean Could Love
Often (and mistakenly) called the “wolf eel,” the North Atlantic wolffish is instantly recognizable. It boasts a large, bulbous head, a long eel-like body, and a continuous dorsal fin that runs nearly the length of its back. Its most unforgettable feature? A mouthful of formidable teeth that give it a perpetually grumpy expression.
Coloration varies from blue-gray to slate, and sometimes even deep purple. On average, wolffish grow to about three feet long and weigh roughly 30 pounds—but some giants have reached six feet and tipped the scales at more than 60 pounds. They prefer rugged, rocky seafloors, where they wedge themselves into crevices and caves to ambush prey.
Crustaceans Beware
Those fearsome jaws aren’t just for show. Wolffish have two distinct rows of teeth: sharp, cone-shaped teeth in front for gripping prey, and dense molar-like teeth behind for crushing shells. This dental setup allows them to pulverize some of the ocean’s toughest meals.
Their diet includes clams, mussels, scallops, sea urchins, sea stars, crabs, horseshoe crabs, and—perhaps most famously—lobsters. In fact, aside from humans, wolffish are the only natural predators lobsters face during their long lives.
Endangered, but Slowly Rebounding
That shared love of lobster put wolffish on a collision course with humans during the 20th century. Juvenile wolffish often wriggled into lobster traps, feasted, and were hauled up along with the catch. Viewed as pests, they were frequently killed and discarded—a practice that led to a dramatic population decline.
As wolffish numbers fell, sea urchin populations surged without their primary predator, disrupting marine ecosystems. Eventually, state and federal protections were put in place, and the fishery for wolffish was closed. While populations remain low and the species is still considered overfished, protections have helped stabilize numbers and prevent further collapse.
Fearsome Looks, Tender Hearts
Despite their intimidating appearance, wolffish are among the most devoted parents in the Gulf of Maine.
In mid to late spring, young adult wolffish form lifelong pairs and seek out a shared den. Together, they remodel their chosen cave—digging with their tails, moving rocks with their teeth, and closing off openings to create a secure nursery.
By late summer, the pair mates. As the female develops a massive clutch of eggs, swimming becomes difficult, and the male takes on extra hunting duties, often bringing her food. In late fall, she lays between 5,000 and 10,000 eggs.
Then comes one of the ocean’s most impressive acts of parental care: the male wraps his body around the egg mass, guarding it fiercely for six to nine months while the female hunts for both of them. This extended incubation makes the North Atlantic wolffish one of the most dedicated parents beneath Maine’s cold waters.
So this Valentine’s Day, while hearts and roses take center stage, spare a thought for the wolffish – an unlikely symbol of loyalty, partnership, and enduring love, hidden away in the rocky depths of the Gulf of Maine.
FAQ for the Lovable Wolffish
Q: Are North Atlantic wolffish endangered?
Yes. North Atlantic wolffish are considered endangered in U.S. waters due to historic overfishing and bycatch, though protections have helped stabilize populations.
Q: Do wolffish really mate for life?
They do. Wolffish form long-term pairs, share a den, and cooperate in breeding and protecting their eggs.
Q: What do wolffish eat?
Their diet includes clams, mussels, sea urchins, crabs, scallops, and lobsters. Their powerful jaws are built to crush hard shells.
Q: Why are wolffish important to marine ecosystems?
By controlling populations of shellfish and sea urchins, wolffish help maintain balance in rocky seafloor habitats.
Q: Are wolffish dangerous to humans?
No. Despite their intimidating appearance, wolffish are not aggressive toward humans and prefer to remain hidden in rocky shelters.