In late March, we brought you news of Birch Aquarium at Scripps' hatching of 250 tiny Wolf-eels. The Aquarium has just released stunning close-up images of the remaining eggs. The pictures, taken by Peter Kragh, show the eels at the very moment of birth. Adult Wolf-eels are generally curious and friendly, despite measuring 80 inches or more when fully grown.
Photo credits: Peter Kragh
Birch Aquarium at Scripps is proud to announce the hatching of baby Wolf-Eels! Birch aquarists have so far collected about 250 Wolf-Eels from the mass of eggs, with another few hundred expected to hatch over the next two weeks. The tiny fish are born brownish-pink, about 1 1/2 inches in length. They begin to turn dark gray within a day or so, and begin snacking on tiny shrimp after a few days. They will grow to several feet in length. Check out the video below of aquarist Mark Ball overseeing the hatching!
Wolf Eel eggs weeks after being laid
Mother Wolf Eel guarding her little ones
Photo and video credits: Birch Aquarium
