Spotted wolffish

At A Glance

Sporting an impressive set of teeth, the bottom-dwelling spotted wolffish is found across the North Atlantic from north of Russia to the Scotian Shelf, off Nova Scotia. The population declined by about 90 per cent from the late 1970s through the early 1990s, particularly in the northern part of its range.

About the spotted wolffish

The spotted wolffish lives in the North Atlantic from the Labrador Shelf to the Scotian Shelf. On rare occasions, spotted wolffish have been seen further north, in the Davis Strait. A predatory bottom-dweller, it is found mainly at depths of 200 to 750 metres.

Spotted wolffish grow relatively slowly. Little is known about the reproduction and early life history of this species.

How to recognize the spotted wolffish

The spotted wolffish gets its name from the leopard-like dark-brown spots that cover its yellowish-brown body, head, back, sides and dorsal fin. As with other wolffish, the spotted wolffish’s dorsal fin extends from just behind the head to the tail. The spotted wolffish can reach lengths of approximately 150 centimetres and weights of around 23 kilograms.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

With its rounded snout and prominent, canine-like teeth in the front of its jaws, the spotted wolffish preys mainly on other bottom-dwelling creatures such as sea urchins, starfish, shellfish and molluscs. The wolffish also eats fish, worms, and sometimes even algae.

Where the spotted wolffish lives

Spotted wolffish are found over all ocean-bottom types. The spotted wolffish favours cold, open continental-shelf water with water temperatures between 2^oC to 5^oC.

Why it’s at risk

From the Grand Banks to the Labrador Shelf, spotted wolffish declined by about 90 per cent from the late 1970s through the early 1990s. While they are not a direct target of commercial fisheries, the spotted wolffish is often caught accidentally along with other fish such as Atlantic and northern wolffish. Fishing practices, such as the use of various fishing gear can disturb their habitat. The spotted wolffish also has some natural predators to contend with, including cod and the Greenland shark.

What’s being done

The spotted wolffish is protected under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA). A combined recovery strategy has been developed under SARA for both the spotted and northern wolffish to improve the status of the fish through improved understanding and management.

What can you do?

Spotted wolffish will get the protection they need only if all Canadians work together to reduce threats. Each and every one of us has a responsibility to ensure that we do everything possible to protect and recover all species at risk. Find out more about spotted wolffish and get involved with the Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk (HSP) or another conservation organization.