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, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. 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.

Mariliave has worked at the Vancouver Aquarium, where he is a research scientist, for more than 25 years. He has produced over 70 scientific and technical publications, is an avid SCUBA diver and loves Wolf Eels.

“What’s not to love?” says 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. 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 sponsorship by Tom Averna (Deer Harbor Charters), Eclipse Charters, West Sound Marina and co-sponsorship by Barbara Brown, The Kingfish Inn and Shearwater Kayaks.