Wolf Eel: Eel, Fish or Monster? Marine Science Lecture Helps You Decide

Is this a face only a mother could love? Hear what the experts have to say on Tuesday, Nov. 9

Marine Science Lecture Series Presents Lecture by Dr. Jeff Marliave, Vancouver Aquarium

Have you ever wondered if the Wolf Eel is really an eel or just a fish disguised as an eel? Or maybe even monster relic of the dinosaur era? Come hear Dr. Jeff Marliave of the Vancouver Aquarium speak at Camp Orkila on Tuesday, November 9 at 7:00 pm and find out.

With a face only a mother could love Wolf Eels have large heads, the jowls of a wild boar and a bulging forehead. Named for their mouth full of sharp teeth and powerful jaws, Wolf Eels are able to crush large crabs, urchins and shellfish with a single bit. Once you get past their strange face and head, the body of the Wolf Eel just keeps on going in thick muscular waves of tail that can stretch nearly 8 feet behind them. Adults wind those long bodies into caves and crevices, sticking out just their heads as they wait for dinner.

Dr Jeff Mariliave has worked at the Vancouver Aquarium for over 25 years where he is a research scientist. He has produced over 70 scientific and technical publications, is an avid SCUBA diver and loves Wolf Eels. “What’s not to love?” says Dr. Marliave, “Wolf Eels are one of the coolest creatures in the sea!”

The 2010/11Marine Science Lecture Series was created to inspire the general public and to highlight the amazing fish and wildlife of our region. Lectures are free.  Please park in the upper parking lot at Camp Orkila. Shuttle service from the parking lot to the talk is available before and after the lecture.

The lecture Series is presented by program partners The SeaDoc Society and YMCA Camp Orkila. It has been made possible through generous sponsorship by Tom Averna (Deer Harbor Charters), Eclipse Charters, West Sound Marina and co-sponsorship by Barbara Brown, The Kingfish Inn and Shearwater Kayaks.