What specific type of organic matter do white catfish readily consume, serving an ecological function by cleaning the waterway?
Answer
Carrion
White catfish fulfill an important ecological role by readily consuming carrion, which is defined as dead or decaying organic matter found on the bottom substrate. This scavenging behavior provides them with an easily accessible source of food. More significantly, by consuming this decaying biomass, the fish actively participate in the cleanup process within their aquatic habitat, effectively helping to reduce the accumulation of potentially polluting or undesirable decaying material on the waterway floor.
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