Which food items do larger adult white catfish typically capitalize on to support their considerable growth, sometimes exceeding 15 inches?
Answer
Crayfish and small fish
As white catfish grow to considerable sizes, often exceeding 15 inches in length, their feeding habits must shift to capitalize on larger, more energy-dense food items to sustain that growth rate, requiring consistent, energy-rich feeding. While younger fish focus on smaller invertebrates like insect larvae, larger adults are better equipped to successfully pursue and consume bigger prey. This includes capitalizing on crustaceans such as crayfish, which provide a substantial meal, and consuming small fish that happen to be slow-moving or injured within their immediate benthic vicinity.
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