Wolf eel made headlines after a video of the decapitated fish biting a can of Coke went viral. But is a wolf eel bite fatal? Continue reading to find the answer.
Viral Wolf Eel Bite
Wolf eel fish is a North Atlantic native known by several other names, including Atlantic wolffish, seawolf, devil fish, Atlantic catfish, and ocean catfish. It appears utterly horrifying, as if it were from an alien film. The fish's name means "stone biter" in Iceland because it consumes giant hermit crabs, sea urchins, hard-shelled crustaceans, and mollusks.
In one video, fishermen showcased a wolf eel they had just captured. One placed a can of Coke between its teeth, and the fish crushed it.
Then they chopped its head off and placed a can of bottle in its mouth. Surprisingly, it did the same --crushed the can with all force.
The video left many shocked because they didn't expect the decapitated head of the wolf eel to still bite the can. One jokingly said the clip was a great advertisement for Coca-Cola because it shows that "even a dead fish wants to drink Coke." Another agreed, adding that even after death, the fish couldn't resist the cool, refreshing taste of Coca-Cola.
A different user said it was "terrifying" that after the head was removed from the body, the wolf eel fish still crushed anything that got into its mouth.
However, the wolf eel fish's bite is not poisonous because it is not venomous. But whether it's fatal is another story because, based on the video, it has an impressive, strong bite.
Gray Wilton, a diver with multiple encounters with a wolf eel, said it wasn't among the top 10 dangerous species to scuba divers. Some divers with little to no common sense would reportedly stick a glove or bare finger and get bitten, but he didn't mention any of them dying from it.
Wilton witnessed the fish consume crabs using its powerful jaw. While recounting his encounters with wolf eel, the diver said there was never an instance when the fish acted in a way that concerned him.
What Is A Wolf Eel Fish?
Wolf eel is a fish despite its name and appearance. It was given its name because of its strong jaws and pointed teeth, which it uses to break apart hard-shelled animals like crabs and abalone. Large fish and wolf eels can reach lengths of up to eight feet and weigh up to 40 pounds.
A wolf eel's skeleton is cartilaginous. This implies that they can flex their bodies, which enables them to fit into smaller areas.
They often have lifelong partners. Over the 13 to 16 weeks, when the eggs develop, both parents help keep them secure.
Wolf eels are vivid orange in color when they are initially hatched. This color will eventually turn brown, gray, or green. A wolf eel's skin is covered in a layer of slender. Like a human's immune system, the slime is a protective layer.
Check out more news and information on Animals in Science Times.
