What suggests wolf eels are opportunistic feeders despite their specialized crushing ability?
Answer
The inclusion of soft-bodied prey like squid and octopus in their diet.
While the wolf eel’s physical tools, specifically its robust jaws and crushing teeth, heavily bias it toward consuming hard-shelled prey like clams and urchins, the animal is characterized as an opportunistic feeder. This is evidenced by the fact that their diet is not exclusively limited to armored items. They also consume softer prey options when they are accessible, such as squid and octopus. This inclusion indicates flexibility, meaning they will exploit easier meals when encountered, even though their primary evolutionary specialization is geared toward overcoming resistance.

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