Name/Title
Wolf Eel (Anarrhichthys ocellatus)Entry/Object ID
2001.01.100Description
Taxidermy - Full specimen mount of fish
This eel, the Wolf Eel (Anarrhichthys ocellatus), is a species of wolffish from the North Pacific Ocean. The lifespan of this species is about 25 years. It can grow up to 2.4 meters in length and weigh over 18 kg. The lifespan of this species is about 25 years, and they tend to mate for life and inhabit a cave together. In some Northwest Coast nations, only tribal healers were allowed to eat this fish, as it was believed to enhance their healing powers.Context
The early members of the Union Club of British Columbia enjoyed the scenic splendours and the many opportunities for sports fishing and big game hunting across the province. Over time, the Club became noted for its outstanding collection of mounted taxidermy items. Of note, in 1910 the Club loaned the collection to the Dominion Government for international exhibition in Vienna (details unknown).
It appears that this mounted Wolf Eel may be the only survivor of the original early 20th century collection. For further detail - see Susan Mayse, "The Union Club of British Columbia - Our First 125 Years" (Victoria, B.C.: The Union Club of British Columbia, 2004):59, and Paul L. Bissley, "Early and Late Victorians: A History of the Union Club of British Columbia" (Sidney, B.C.: Review Printing and Publishing Co. Ltd., 1969). Both publications are available in the UCBC Library.Made/Created
Artist Information
Artist
UnknownRole
TaxidermistDate made
n.d.Time Period
20th CenturyNotes
Stuffed and mounted Wolf Eel on rectangular wood wall plaque. Faces right.Acquisition
Acquisition Method
Legacy collection - detail unknown