The Bering Wolffish, Anarhichas orientalis, is a species of fish belonging to the wolf eel family, Anarhichadidae.
Description & Characteristics
This fish is known for its robust, elongated body shape and can reach a maximum size of 112.0 cm. The Bering Wolffish exhibits a distinctive color pattern, displaying a dark brown to black coloration with lighter spots or blotches scattered across its body. Its head is large and flattened, with a slightly upturned snout. This species possesses powerful jaws equipped with large, canine-like teeth, which are essential for its diet of hard-shelled prey.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Bering Wolffish, Anarhichas orientalis, is found in the northern Pacific Ocean, inhabiting the cold, deep waters of the Bering Sea. They typically reside in depths ranging from 0.0 to 100.0 meters, making them a common sight within the continental shelf and slope zones of this region.
Taxonomy
The species Anarhichas orientalis belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Perciformes, and Family: Anarhichadidae. This classification places the Bering Wolffish within the diverse group of ray-finned fishes, specifically within the order Perciformes, which includes a vast array of species like perches, basses, and wrasses. The family Anarhichadidae encompasses the wolf eels, a group characterized by their elongated bodies, powerful jaws, and carnivorous diets.
Feeding
The Bering Wolffish, Anarhichas orientalis, is a voracious predator with a diverse diet. Its powerful jaws and sharp teeth enable it to crush and consume a range of prey items, including clams, crabs, edible crab, invertebrates, krill, mysid shrimp, sea urchins, snails, and starfish.
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