Bite Force Estimation and Feeding Ecology of the Atlantic Wolfeel, Anarhichas Lupus

• Main Authors: Garay, Victoria J, Farmer, Marjorie N, Ferris, Anthony J.N., Hodges, Brianna, Johnson, Tiara N, Nichols, Joshua, Rose, Jacob R, Vega, Bianca A, William, Yeager
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: Digital Showcase @ University of Lynchburg 2022
• Subjects: North Atlantic
• Online Access: https://digitalshowcase.lynchburg.edu/studentshowcase/2022/posters/7

Atlantic wolfeel (Anarhichas lupus) is commonly found in the North Atlantic ocean. Although A. lupus is known to feed on various prey items, its main diet consists of hard-shelled invertebrates including mollusks, echinoderms, and crustaceans, most of which require a crushing ability (durophagy) by the fish. Along with the dietary information, durophagous behavior by A. lupus has been well-documented. However, actual biomechanical performance in crushing such prey items by A. lupus has not yet been studied. We used anatomical modeling to simulate bite motion based on its feeding apparatus and estimate its bite force to provide a theoretical basis for better underding feeding biomechanics and performance, as well as trophic ecology, of wolfeel species. In our simulation, maximum bite forces (MBF) were estimated to be approximately 132 N (at the anterior teeth) and 267 N (at the posterior teeth). We will assess its durophagous capacity based on our results. Further, we will discuss what these bite forces are compared with some biting vertebrates.