Wolf-eel

Biology

Juvenile wolf-eels live freely in the water column and are distinguished by their orange colouration with large dark spots. The adults, grey in colour with eye-shaped patches (ocellatus = eye), search for permanent cover in rocks or wrecks. Here it is not uncommon to find a male and a female that mate for life. So long as other larger wolf-eels or a giant octopus do not drive them out, these pairs will always remain in the same shelter.

Curiosities

They tenaciously protect their eggs and are so zealous that the male or female will only leave the shelter alternately. While taking turns in their vigil, they can search for food.