As adults, the females are smaller and a darker brownish grey (both remarkably camouflaged for when they are in their rocky dens). Both male and female juveniles are brownish orange and look even more eel-like, lacking the big head of the adults.
In aquariums, their life expectancy is known to be at least 28 years. Wolf-Eels have long-lasting pair bonds, coming together when they are around 4-years-old and having their first clutch when they are around 7. The males do compete for females who will sometimes opt to swap dens and go live with the competitor. Sound like any other species you know? Wonder if it happens at mid-life? 😉 The mature males do carry battle wounds supporting that they don’t just hang out in dens waiting for a snack to come by, but rather that they will occasionally duke it out with other male Wolf-Eels.It was long thought that Wolf-Eels always mate for life but, this is not always the case. Mature male bearing the scars of battle ©2011 Gord Jenkins. If the features of an animal appear foreign to you, it is because it fulfils a role in Nature that is truly awe-inspiring possibly even beyond your imaginings. There is no ugly in Nature – only perfection. Such is the way when there is misunderstanding and disrespect for something you love. It hurts when people say this about Wolf-Eels.
For more information on Giant Pacific Octopuses, click here for previous blogs and here for a blog specifically on hunting in Giant Pacific Octopus.ĭon’t say it, please don’t say it.For more information on Wolf-Eels (including that they are not an eel at all), see my previous blog here.Video and photos contributed by dive buddies Katie Morgan and Diane Reid while on our trip with God’s Pocket Dive Resort. I hope this 3-minute clip allows you to share in the awe and excitement.įor me, this was the NE Pacific Ocean equivalent of seeing a giraffe, elephant and rhino in close proximity. It was an exciting day in this wonderful marine neighbourhood. THEN, a Decorator Warbonnet emerges as well. In this encounter, the octopus passes directly over a mature male Wolf-Eel in his den. It’s a fortunate enough thing to be able to watch a large Giant Pacific Octopus when it is hunting. It is one of the most remarkable encounters I have witnessed in all my dives. Giant Pacific Octopus passing over a mature male Wolf-Eel in his den.
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