Reproduction, spawning behaviour and captive breeding of the common wolffish Anarhichas lupus L.

Spring feeding of Atlantic wolffish (Anarhichas lupus) on Stellwagen Bank, Massachusetts

“…Although sexual dimorphism of Atlantic wolffish has not been evident in captivity, other than swollen "pot-bellied" females in the 4-5 months before spawning (Johannessen et al, 1993), historically, males tend to be heavier than females throughout the year in the wild (Templeman, 1986a). The largest fish captured in Templeman's (1986a) study were a 127-cm-TL male and 121-cm-TL female from the Grand Banks in 1966.…”

“…Worth noting, Atlantic wolffish eggs were not present in any guts. After spawning, males remove eggs stuck to the exterior of the female's body by sucking and spitting them out (Johannessen et al, 1993); it is reasonable to suspect that some eggs are ingested incidentally. In addition, in intensive culture, Atlantic wolffish have been observed eating eggs from other pairs, and females have been seen destroying their own unfertilized eggs (Johannessen et al, 1993).…”

“…Spawning is believed to occur from September through October in the GOM, but there is no conclusive proof of this spawning period (Pavlov and Moksness, 1994;Rountree, 2002). Spawning events of captive fish have been documented by Johannessen et al (1993) and Rountree (2002). A few days before spawning, eggs are fertilized internally and extruded within 1 day after copulation and before cell cleavage.…”

“…An estimated 4-5 months before spawning, these typically solitary fish begin courting and form bonded pairs (Johannessen et al, 1993); inshore migrations into shallower water may occur at this time (Nelson and Ross, 1992). Spawning is believed to occur from September through October in the GOM, but there is no conclusive proof of this spawning period (Pavlov and Moksness, 1994;Rountree, 2002).…”

“…A few days before spawning, eggs are fertilized internally and extruded within 1 day after copulation and before cell cleavage. Atlantic wolffish are determinate spawners (Johannessen et al, 1993); the female deposits all eggs in one batch and then curls around the sticky, demersal eggs, shaping them into a cluster. The eggs are hidden under rocks and boulders in nests and guarded exclusively by the male for 9-10 months until the eggs hatch (Keats et al, 1985;.…”