The spotted wolf, or Anarhichas minor, is a fascinating fish from the cold waters of the northern Atlantic. Although it is not the most popular fish for sport fishing in Quebec, it attracts the interest of those who enjoy exploring the depths of the sea. This fish is known for its powerful jaw and its ability to defend itself vigorously when caught. Its distribution in Quebec is primarily coastal, in the salty and brackish waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Anglers venturing into these waters may encounter it, especially if they are targeting other species like cod or halibut. The spotted wolf is a moderate fighter but can surprise with its resistance once on the line.

The spotted wolf has an elongated and robust body, covered with smooth skin rather than scales. Its color varies from grayish-brown to olive green, sprinkled with irregular dark spots that give it its name. Its head is massive with a powerful jaw and sharp teeth, adapted for crushing shellfish and crustaceans. The dorsal fins are long and continuous, while the pectoral fins are broad and rounded, allowing it to move skillfully among the rocks. The tail is thick and muscular, well adapted to its rocky environment. Young ones are often lighter and have more distinct patterns than adults. There is no notable difference between males and females during the spawning period.

In Quebec, the spotted wolf is mainly found in the waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, particularly around Gaspésie and the Magdalen Islands. It is relatively rare further south, but can be spotted in certain coastal areas where the waters are cold enough and rich in food. This species prefers marine and brackish waters, and its presence is often associated with rocky or sandy bottoms where it can easily camouflage itself. Its general distribution range extends in the North Atlantic, up to the coasts of Norway and Iceland.

The spotted wolf favors cold coastal waters, often near rocky or sandy bottoms. It is generally found at depths ranging from 20 to 500 meters, although it can sometimes venture deeper. These fish are well adapted to environments where they can hide and hunt prey like mollusks, crustaceans, and sea urchins. The waters around reefs, wrecks, and submerged structures are ideal for the spotted wolf, providing both protection and an abundance of food. The water temperature it prefers is between 2 and 8 °C, making it a typical species of Arctic and sub-Arctic waters.

The spotted wolf reaches sexual maturity between 4 and 6 years. The spawning period occurs from late autumn to early winter, when females lay their eggs on rocky or sandy substrates. The large eggs are often protected by males until hatching. The larvae, initially pelagic, settle to the seabed as they grow. Their growth is relatively slow, but they can live up to 12 years. In spring, young wolves actively feed to grow quickly. In summer, they move to deeper areas as the water temperature rises. Autumn marks the return to spawning areas, and in winter, they focus on reproduction.

The spotted wolf is generally solitary and territorial. It prefers to stay near the seabed, hidden in crevices or among rocks where it can ambush its prey. Although it is not particularly aggressive, it defends its territory against intruders. This fish is sensitive to light variations and often moves to avoid direct light. Weather conditions such as wind and atmospheric pressure have a moderate impact on its behavior, but it tends to be more active in overcast or slightly choppy weather.

The diet of the spotted wolf mainly consists of mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish. Young ones primarily feed on small invertebrates and larvae, while adults prefer harder prey like sea urchins and crabs, which they crush with their powerful jaws. In summer, their feeding activity increases as prey availability is at its peak. In winter, although their metabolism slows down, they continue to actively feed to maintain their energy during the spawning period.

The spotted wolf is active year-round, but its behavior varies with the seasons. In spring, it feeds intensively to recover energy expended during winter. In summer, it is often found at greater depths to avoid the relative warmth of surface waters. Autumn is a migration period to spawning areas. In winter, it focuses on reproduction. The best times to fish for it are often early in the morning or late in the afternoon, especially in overcast or slightly rainy weather. Changes in atmospheric pressure can influence its activity, but it generally remains active even under cloudy skies or windy conditions.

For the spotted wolf, lures should mimic natural prey like crabs and bottom fish. In clear water, natural colors like olive green and brown are ideal. In murky water, opt for brighter shades like yellow and orange to attract attention. Under cloudy skies, use lures with metallic reflections to better capture light. In depth, phosphorescent lures can be very effective in attracting the spotted wolf.

To fish for the spotted wolf, a robust rod of 1.8 to 2.4 meters with a moderate action is recommended. A medium-sized spinning reel capable of handling lines of 20 to 30 lb is ideal. Use reinforced hooks, size 2/0 to 4/0, to withstand the powerful jaws of this fish. A fluorocarbon or steel leader is advised to avoid cuts from sharp teeth.

Handle the spotted wolf carefully due to its sharp teeth. Use gloves to avoid injuries. If you wish to release the fish, ensure to minimize the time out of the water and support it properly under the belly. For a photo, avoid suspending it vertically by the mouth to prevent damage to its internal organs.

The main predators of the spotted wolf in Quebec include seals, which are fond of this fish. Orcas and some sharks may also feed on it. Seabirds, although less frequent, can prey on young spotted wolves.

In Quebec, the spotted wolf is not considered an endangered species, but its capture is regulated to prevent overfishing. Anglers must adhere to quotas and minimum catch sizes. Release is encouraged for immature specimens or those caught outside quotas.