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Species at risk
Atlantic Wolffish
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Learn / Species at Risk / Atlantic Wolffish
The Atlantic Wolffish, known for its formidable appearance with large heads and strong canine teeth, is a bottom dwelling fish that inhabits the cold waters of the North Atlantic, ranging from Labrador to the Great South Channel and Georges Bank. This species is primarily solitary except during breeding season and is recognized for its unique antifreeze compounds in its blood, allowing it to thrive in near-freezing temperatures. It has dark bars on its body that distinguish it from the other wolffish species. This species is taken as bycatch in a wide range of fisheries and was of commercial interest in the 1990s. A very limited commercial fishery persists, with the largest catches reported off Nova Scotia and south of Newfoundland.
Population
Notable for internal fertilization and parental care, with large eggs that are guarded by both sexes. The total number of Atlantic Wolffish in Canadian waters has been estimated at 49 million, including about 5 million mature individuals.
Diet
Primarily consumes hard-shelled mollusks, crustaceans, and echinoderms.
Scientific Name
Anarhichas lupus
Conservation Status
Classified as a species of special concern by both SARA and COSEWIC due to overfishing and habitat destruction.
Size
Adults range in length 12-16m and weighing 25-30 tons. Females are generally larger.
Habitat & Range
Found along the North Atlantic coast from Labrador to the Great South Channel and Georges Bank, Atlantic Wolffish inhabit depths from 20 to 500 meters. It is most abundant off northeastern Newfoundland, on the Labrador Shelf and in the southern Grand Banks off Newfoundland. The eggs of Atlantic Wolffish are deposited in crevices on rocky bottoms. The larvae are planktonic before becoming established on the bottom. Juveniles and adults are found primarily in the waters of the continental shelf on rocky or sandy bottoms. The fish tolerate a broad temperature range (from -1.5oC to 13o C), although they concentrate in a narrower range and water temperature is thought to be a major factor determining habitat selection.
Wolffish in Newfoundland & Labrador
Atlantic Wolffish experienced significant declines in both population numbers and distribution area from the 1980s until the mid-1990s, particularly around its traditional stronghold in the waters to the east and north of Newfoundland. Following these decreases, there has been a noted improvement in both abundance and area of occupancy. However, despite recent positive trends, the species’ numbers remain considerably lower than what was recorded in the early 1980s.
The observed recovery in the species’ population can likely be attributed to the reduction in commercial fisheries, which have historically captured wolffish as unintentional bycatch. This reduction has possibly allowed the population to gradually rebuild. Nonetheless, specific regions such as the Scotian Shelf and the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence continue to see a decline in wolffish numbers, where historically, the populations were already smaller compared to those in the north and east.
While the reduction in bycatch due to decreased commercial fishing has contributed positively to the population recovery, the species still faces challenges. The continued decrease in certain areas underscores the need for ongoing conservation efforts and monitoring to ensure the species can reach and maintain a stable population level. The current situation highlights the importance of targeted conservation strategies and management practices to support the species’ continued recovery and long-term survival.
Download information pamphlets
Diver Information Flyer
Printable PDF that includes information on safe encounters, identification, and data collection.
Fisher Information Flyer
Printable PDF that includes information on safe release methods, identification, and data collection.
further resources
CPAWS NL Wolffish Survey
Citizen Science survey to log sighting data
