NWT Northern Wolffish (Anarhichas denticulatus)
Species at Risk (NWT) Act list: No status
Federal Species at Risk Act list: Threatened
COSEWIC Assessment: Threatened
NWT General Status Rank: Undetermined
Description
The Northern Wolffish is a thick, heavy-set fish with a pointed snout, small eyes, small tail and no pelvic fins. It has prominent canine-like teeth in the front of the jaws. These fish are gray to dark chocolate in colour with a light violet sheen, often with numerous but indistinct dark bars or spots.
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Distribution
Biology
The Northern Wolffish is a large solitary fish that is slow-growing and long-lived. It inhabits cold, deep ocean waters and preys on jellyfish, sea urchins, crabs and starfish. This fish does not undertake long migrations and the size of its territory is very restricted. Northern Wolffish reach maturity at five years of age and can live to 14 years. Northern Wolffish have been reported in only two locations in the Northwest Territories: Prince Albert Sound on western Victoria Island and Mould Bay on Prince Patrick Island.
Habitat
• offshore waters over soft bottoms and boulders, at depths of 150 to 900 m and in temperatures below 5°C (41°F)
Potential Threats
• predation by ringed seals
Did you know?
• Northern Wolffish use large rocks for shelter and to build their nests, where they spawn late in the year.
• The fearsome teeth of the Northern Wolffish ensure that it has few natural predators.
• In most areas this fish is not eaten by humans because of its watery and jelly-like flesh.