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

During 22 daylight submersible dives in August 1979 numerous juvenile and adult tilefish, L. 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. 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.