In the Arctic, the Altantic Wolffish occurs in the Davis Strait, the northernmost limit of its distribution. In addition, it is widely distributed across the North Atlantic Ocean from southern Newfoundland to the Barents Sea. In the western North Atlantic, it occurs off west Greenland and southern Labrador and in the Strait of Belle Isle. It is also common on the Scotian Shelf and in the Gulf of Maine and Bay of Fundy. The Atlantic Wolffish is usually found between 50 and 150 m in depth and 0.4° and 6.0° Celsius over rocky and sand bottoms.

The Atlantic Wolffish has prominent canine-like teeth in the front of both jaws. This species has a heavy head, a blunt rounded snout, small eyes, and it lacks pelvic fins. The dorsal fin is long and extends to the base of the caudal, with flexible, spiny rays. The caudal fin is small and slightly rounded, while pectoral fins are heavy and rounded. The Atlantic Wolffish has a firm musculataire. The colour of the Atlantic Wolffish varies, from slate blue to dull olive green to purplish brown. The underside of the head and belly are dirty white, tinged with upper body colour. Individuals of this species also bare ten or more darkly coloured transverse bars on their bodies. Adults can weigh over 24 kilograms and reach 1.5 m in length. Maturity is attained between 5 and 11 years of age.