Wolf Eel
Eelus wolfus
A juvenile Wolf Eel peers from the security of his cave
on the north rim of the marine canyon off La Jolla Shores.

Although not rare here, Wolf Eels are not commonly seen
in Southern California.  They tend to stay much deeper
than the maximum safe recreational diving depth
of 130 feet (40 meters), where the water is much colder.

The presence of a deep marine canyon off La Jolla results in
upwellings of very deep waters relatively close to the shore,
often bringing unusual animals up where divers can see them.

Unfortunately, this eel will likely migrate back down
into the canyon when it gets older.