Wolffish: description, benefits and risks

The wolffish (Anarhichadidae) is a general name for an entire family of fish comprising two genera and five species. The Anarhichadidae family belongs to the ray-finned fish, classified under the order Scorpaeniformes, and inhabits the temperate and cold waters of the Northern Hemisphere. It is a valuable species for commercial and recreational fishing.

Description of the Wolffish

The wolffish is characterized by an elongated body and relatively large size. However, its most distinctive feature, which gives the fish its name, is its large front teeth, resembling those of a dog. Additional teeth are found at the back of the mouth and on the palate, which help in crushing food. With powerful jaws, this fish can break through mollusk shells. Their teeth regenerate annually. Apart from mollusks, wolffish also feed on echinoderms, jellyfish, crustaceans, and smaller fish, making them predators.

Adult wolffish can reach a length of 1–2.5 meters and weigh between 20 and 32 kg. While they do not venture into the open ocean, they inhabit depths ranging from 300 to 1,700 meters, staying close to the seabed.

Species of the Wolffish Family

The family consists of five species across two genera:

Genus Anarhichas

  • Atlantic (Anarhichas lupus) – Found in the northern Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea, the Baltic Sea, the Barents Sea, and the White Sea.
  • Bering (Anarhichas orientalis) – Inhabits the northern seas, including the Chukchi Sea.
  • Spotted (Anarhichas minor) – Found in the northern Atlantic Ocean, the Barents Sea, and the Norwegian Sea.
  • Northern (Anarhichas denticulatus) – Shares its habitat with the spotted wolffish.

Genus Anarhichthys

  • Wolf Eel (Anarhichthys ocellatus) – Found along the Pacific coast of North America, from San Diego (California) to Kodiak Island (Alaska).

Purchasing and Storage

Before buying wolffish, it is essential to know how to choose a fresh one, as some stores may sell spoiled fish. Follow these general guidelines when selecting this fish:

  • The eyes should be clear and not cloudy; cloudiness indicates spoilage.
  • The flesh should spring back to its original shape when pressed.
  • Avoid buying frozen fish with excessive transparent ice around it, as this could indicate repeated thawing and refreezing.

Wolffish does not store well for long periods:

  • In the refrigerator, it lasts no more than two days.
  • In the freezer, it can be stored for about two months.

Wolffish in Culinary Use

Wolffish dishes are highly popular in restaurants and home cooking. It can be served as a main course with a side dish, added to soups, used in fillings, or included in salads and appetizers. Its meat is tender and juicy, making it perfect for gourmet dishes. This fish can be fried, stewed, baked, boiled, smoked, or salted. Each cooking method has its own secrets that enhance the fish’s flavor.

Health Benefits and Risks of Wolffish

Health Benefits

Wolffish is highly nutritious, with a caloric value similar to that of chicken. However, unlike chicken, it contains very few saturated fatty acids, making it a dietary food.

This fish is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly potassium, which helps regulate the body’s water-electrolyte balance. Wolffish meat contains high levels of:

  • Vitamins: Thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid, niacin, vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin D
  • Amino Acids: Lysine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid
  • Minerals: Potassium, sodium, calcium, zinc, iron, sulfur, magnesium, iodine, phosphorus, manganese, fluoride, copper

Wolffish is one of the richest fish in iodine and cobalt. Consuming it provides essential nutrients for overall health.

Wolffish is beneficial for:

  • High cholesterol, atherosclerosis, heart attacks, strokes, hypertension, and other cardiovascular diseases
  • Edema, including heart-related swelling
  • Poor blood circulation, thrombophlebitis, varicose veins
  • Obesity and metabolic disorders
  • Thyroid gland diseases
  • Mental and physical exhaustion, nervous disorders
  • Digestive system disorders
  • Weak immune system

Potential Risks

Caution is advised when consuming wolffish for individuals with hyperthyroidism due to its high iodine content. Additionally, those with fish or seafood allergies should avoid it.