Bering wolffish COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 2

Logo of COSEWIC

COSEWIC
Executive Summary

Bering Wolffish
Anarhichas Orientalis

Species Information

Wolffishes of the family Anarhichadidae are large, elongate fishes characterized by large, protruding canine teeth and the lack of pelvic fins. The anal and dorsal fins are elongate and nearly join the caudal fin at its base. Adult Bering wolffish (Anarhichas orientalis) are dark brown with no distinct stripes or spots, and can reach lengths up to 112 cm.

 

Distribution

The Bering wolffish, Anarhichas orientalis, has a spotty distribution throughout the Northeastern Pacific from Hokkaido through the Sea of Okhotsk to Alaska, but its distribution across the Northwestern Pacific into the Bering Sea and the Arctic Ocean is poorly documented. It is known from only one location in Canadian waters, Bathurst Inlet.

 

Habitat

The Bering wolffish inhabits shallow inshore waters with rocky, algae-encrusted bottoms. Relatively little is known of the habitat requirements of this species, and even less is known of the availability of Bering wolffish habitat in Canadian Arctic waters.

 

General Biology

Little is known of the biology of the Bering wolffish. Wolfish exhibit nesting habits, and their very large eggs hatch into pelagic larvae sometime in the Arctic summer. Stomach content analysis reveals a diet of benthic invertebrates. Bering wolffish may reach lengths to 112 cm.

 

Population Sizes and Trends

The Canadian representation of this species is limited to three specimens captured in the Bathurst Inlet area, and a 1200-km gap exists between this population and the next reported population in Camden Bay on Alaska’s North Slope, despite relatively extensive sampling throughout the area by various agencies. Therefore it is impossible to assess population trends.

 

Limiting Factors and Threats

Bering wolffish may require a narrow range of habitat attributes that may limit their reproduction and distribution in Canadian waters. Wolffish exhibit a characteristic slow growth and nesting habits that may also limit population size. Threats may include inshore oil and gas exploration, development, and shipping activities. 

 

Special Significance of the Species

It is possible that Bathurst Inlet, an area the size of the Bay of Fundy or Strait of Georgia, harbours the only Canadian population of this fish. If this is the case, the population is one of national significance.

Page details

Date modified: