Burrow construction and behavior of tilefish, Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps, in Hudson Submarine Canyon

Abstract

During 22 daylight submersible dives in August 1979 numerous juvenile and adult tilefish, Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps, were observed in and around vertical burrows in the clay substrate of portions of Hudson submarine canyon in depths from 110–230 m. The size and shape of the burrows varied considerably with the smallest juveniles occupying simple vertical shafts in the substrate. Larger fish were found in much larger burrows (up to 4–5 m in diameter and at least 2–3 m deep) that were funnel shaped in cross-section with the upper conical portions containing numerous smaller burrows of associated crabs. The range of burrow sizes observed suggests a regular sequence of burrow construction by tilefish and the associated crabs. Both juvenile and adult tilefish swam into the burrows head first and exited tail first. This behavior, which would preclude the possibility of ambushing prey, and evidence of predation by sharks and other tilefish, suggests that the burrow is a refuge from predators. Tilefish burrows appear to serve as a focus for biological activity. Species associated with the burrows included galatheid crabs, Cancer sp., Acanthocarpus alexandri, Homarus americanus, Heliocolenus dactylopterus and Conger oceanicus. Tilefish may play an important role in structuring outer continental shelf communities. They physically shape their environment and probably have significant biological interactions with the species that associate with their burrows.