Distribution, Growth and Food Habits of the Atlantic Wolffish (Anarhichas lupus) from the Gulf of Maine-Georges Bank Region Gary A. Nelson and Michael R. Ross
Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, 204 Holdsworth Hall
University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
Source - Journal of Northwest Atlantic Fishery Science, Volume 13: 53-61
ISSN-0250-6408
The spatial and temporal distribution patterns of the Atlantic wolffish (Anarhichas lupus) from the Gulf of Maine-Georges Bank region were examined based on bottom trawl survey data from 1963 to 1989. Catches of wolffish were distributed throughout the region, but highest concentrations occurred along the 100 m depth contour of the Gulf of Maine-Georges Bank.
Statistical analyses of the depth occurrences revealed a seasonal shift in depth distribution from shallow water (<50 cm) wolffish migrate to these shallow waters in spring and return to deeper waters in autumn.
The oldest wolffish aged was 22 years. Mean length-at-age ranged from 4.7 cm total length for age 0 to 98.0 cm total length for age 22 in spring. Growth was modelled best by the Gompertz function. Bivalve molluscs (primarily Placopecten magellanicus) dominated the diet, followed by echinoderms, gastropods and decapods.
Language - English