Normal wolf fish behavior?

[ironmunki]

Came home from work to find my gold wolf fish buried in the gravel with only his tail sticking out. He stayed this way awhile then stuck his head out and eventually swam away.

I've kept several wolves before but never noticed any of them doing this. Anyone else experience this or know what it means?

 

[kno4te]

I've had smaller wolves do this and a mala when startled and smaller. Never seen a gold do it but not to worry.

 

[moe214]

I've also noticed any species of smaller wolves do this when startled. That being said I've only had my gold since he was 8". Never witnessed it. Wolves are described to bury their behinds in the wild when threatened without a place to run and force the predator to face their jaws. I've seen my wolves do this throughout the years, put their tail in the corner of the tank even to fend off a pushy cichlid etc. I feel like I've seen a video on YouTube of one doing it to a diver before running off but I'm not sure

 

[tvbbnumber41]

They do this as a defense mechanism, most notably against shoals of piranhas.

 

[ironmunki]

Thanks for the replies guys. I have about eight 3" fish in with him that may be stressing him out. They were already in the tank when I added him about a week and a half ago. I assumed he'd have devoured them by now but he's not harmed a single one. Very different from the golds I've kept before. I'll move those fish to another tank this weekend.

 

[moe214]

I've also noticed any species of smaller wolves do this when startled. That being said I've only had my gold since he was 8". Never witnessed it. Wolves are described to bury their behinds in the wild when threatened without a place to run and force the predator to face their jaws. I've seen my wolves do this throughout the years, put their tail in the corner of the tank even to fend off a pushy cichlid etc. I feel like I've seen a video on YouTube of one doing it to a diver before running off but I'm not sure

Wanted to clarify where I said " I've noticed any species of smaller wolves". Sounds like I'm saying smaller species. I meant young specimens of any species. I've noticed it with my curu, malas, and ery species.

Figured I'd clarify in case this thread was read by someone else in the future who may not understand or someone who isn't to good with their English.