Habitat and Life History
This species is found offshore in cold, deep water, usually below 5°C (41°F) and between 50-800 m (160-2600 ft) in depth but as shallow as 25 m (80 ft) in Canadian Arctic populations. They prefer a coarse sand and sand/shell hash bottom with rocky areas nearby for shelter and nest-building. Spawning occurs in summer to late fall/early winter. As many as 54,600 large eggs are laid in deep water in clusters on the sea floor, and are guarded primarily by males. Growth rate is slower for this species than for the Atlantic and northern wolffish (Barents Sea). Fish become mature at seven years of age or older and can live to 21 years. The species does not form large schools and migrations are local and limited.
Read more about this topic: Spotted Wolffish
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