The Wolf Eel Can Chomp on Sand Dollars and Sea Urchins

Wolf eel populations are found in the cold waters along the Pacific Coast of North America, ranging from northern Baja California up through Puget Sound, Hood Canal and into Alaska.

These fish make their homes in rocky reefs, sea caves and kelp forests, often in shallower water when young. They prefer environments with plenty of crevices and hiding spots near the sea bottom, where they can ambush prey and avoid predators like sea lions and harbor seals.

Wolf eels have long bodies, a continuous dorsal fin and a set of pectoral fins that help them navigate through tight rocky spaces. They also feature paired gill slits, distinguishing them from other eel-like creatures.

They can reach over 8 feet (2.4 meters) in length and weigh up to 41 pounds (18.6 kg). Their powerful jaws and back teeth are adapted to crush hard-shelled prey like crabs, clams, mussels, snails, sand dollars and even sea urchins.

Wolf eels are opportunistic predators, often feeding on squid, kelp greenling and many fish species. Juveniles tend to feed more on softer prey while adult wolf eels develop the strong jaws necessary to tackle tougher food.

In turn, they must stay alert to fishing gear and natural predators. Divers and scientists alike have observed that wolf eel interactions with humans can be surprisingly docile, especially when food is involved.

Juvenile wolf eels start out with bright orange coloration and dark spots, perfect for camouflage among kelp forests. As they grow, they shift to a slate-gray or greenish tone. When juvenile wolf eels mature, they become young adults that eventually seek out mates.

Wolf eels are also known to mate for life. A pair takes special care in their reproductive rituals. During reproduction, the female lays thousands of eggs in a neat sphere roughly the size of a grapefruit.

The female continues massaging the egg mass, encouraging proper development as the eggs periodically rotate. This helps to circulate water and oxygenate the eggs.

When the eggs hatch, the larvae float up in the water column before eventually settling down to the sea bottom. This level of parental investment, including egg guarding and care by both parents, is uncommon among most fish species.

Facilities like the Seattle Aquarium house wolf eels for public education and conservation.

These environments offer researchers opportunities to study their behavior, including their reproduction, social structure and feeding habits. Researchers have observed the egg mass and the female’s fanning behaviors closely in these settings.

Wolf eels play an ecological role in their habitat by preying on invertebrates such as sea urchins, potentially helping to regulate their populations.

Though not considered endangered, wolf eel populations are affected by fishing gear, habitat degradation and climate change. Their presence near popular dive sites like Seattle, Puget Sound and Hood Canal highlights the importance of marine conservation.

Despite their fearsome name, wolf eels have been observed accepting food from divers and even showing interest in other animals and humans. Their curious yet cautious nature makes them a subject of fascination and respect among marine enthusiasts.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.