(Korsvika - The Trondheim fjord / 21 meters / 2.09.2003)

Phylum: Chordata

Superclass: Gnathostomata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Perciformes

Family: Anarhichadidae

 

Norwegian: steinbitfamilien

The wolffishes are closely related to the gunnels and pricklebacks. They have a long, spiny dorsal fin running in full body length. Characteristic features of the family of wolffishes are the large, blunt teeth and lack of ventral fins. Further more the wolffishes grow larger than any of their close relatives. The  spotted wolffish can reach a body weight of more than 25 kg. The far more common grey wolffish is slightly smaller.

Wolffishes exceeding 10 kg have few natural enemies. You usually encounter these fearless predators dwelling under rocks or on sandy or muddy substrate. They usually do not escape before they are attacked. This makes them popular catch among Norwegian divers. A diver outweighs the wolffish 10 to 20 times and equipped with a spear you do not need to be a navy seal to catch it. It tastes great and is a popular dish on restaurants.