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

Abstract

SynopsisDuring 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 1 lo-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 &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 tiletisih 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 tiletish, suggests that the burrow is a refuge from predators.

Patterns of microhabitat utilization by mobile megafauna on the southern New England (USA) continental shelf and slope

“…In particular, we wish to determine if associations with particular habitat features increase the fitness of individuals. While studies have been conducted which focus on the ecological role of particular species associations with particular habitat features, little work has been done which discerns the pattern and frequency of use of habitat features by assemblages of megafaunal species (but see Able et al 1982, Grimes et al 1986, Cooper et al 1988, Felley & Vecchione 1995. Herein we describe associations of mobile fauna with particular microhabitats at a series of stations across the continental shelf and slope of the Middle Atlantic Bight.…”

Probable aestivation burrows from the Eocene/Oligocene transition in south-eastern France and their palaeoenvironmental implications

“…Snedden (1991) interpreted the probable trace-maker as a tilefish. In fact, similar burrows are made by the modern tilefish Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps in muddy sediment (Able et al, 1982(Able et al, , 1993Grimes et al, 1986). L. chamaeleonticeps is a large fish (length up to 125 cm; weight up to 30 kg) living in Western Atlantic (Canada to Florida), where it burrows into mud or sand bottoms.…”

Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico

“…This was shown in tagging studies, Table 9.6 for explanation) Decapod crustaceans, squids, salps, bivalve mollusks, annelids, sea cucumbers, actinians, eels, spiny dogfish, and other fish species Linton (1901), Dooley (1978) Common predators of juveniles Large tilefish and other fish species Freeman and Turner (1977) Common predators of adults Sharks Able et al (1982) which suggested that the movement of tilefish was minimal Katz et al 1983). This implies that the suitability of local habitat is critical for tilefish.…”

“…Tilefish was selected as one of the species to be evaluated in this chapter because they represent those benthic demersal species ( Table 9.1) that have wide geographic separation and limited movements, require distinct habitats, are sensitive to changes in environment, and support an important commercial fishery. Nelson and Carpenter (1968), Dooley (1978), Able et al (1982), Grimes et al (1983), Katz et al (1983), Lombardi et al (2010) …”

“…SL (Fahay 1983). The benthic juveniles burrow and occupy simple vertical shafts in the substrate (Able et al 1982). In the Gulf of Mexico, adults inhabit burrows excavated from firm mud, silt, sand, and clay along the continental slope and shelf, with distinct depth and temperature preferences (Table 9.31).…”