Atlantic wolffish range in color from brownish-olive (prior to sexual maturity) to light blue-gray (sexually mature). Distinct, dark, irregular bands run transversely along their sides. Atlantic wolffish have an elongated shape. Their body, which is deepest at the nape of their neck, tapers back to a slender caudal peduncle and small weak tail fin. These fish have large, rounded pectoral fins, lack pelvic fins, and do not have a lateral line. Their dorsal fin is uniform in height and extends from their neck area back to the base of their tail fin. Their anal fin is about half as long as their dorsal fin. Atlantic wolffish have exceptionally strong jaws equipped with large canine teeth and massive molars.