What material composes the Wolf Eel's skeleton, contributing to its flexibility?
A cartilaginous composition.
The skeletal structure of the Wolf Eel is composed primarily of cartilage rather than fully calcified bone, defining it as cartilaginous in composition. This biological trait is fundamental to the animal's lifestyle and movement patterns. Cartilage provides remarkable flexibility throughout the entire length of the body. This inherent elasticity is vital for the Wolf Eel because it spends a significant portion of its life wedged into narrow caves and rocky crevices for shelter—a den-based, sedentary existence. The ability to snake, contort, and wedge itself into these tight spaces, often by backing in, is directly facilitated by the flexibility derived from its cartilaginous skeleton, allowing it to adapt perfectly to its benthic environment.
