Why is feeding only de-shelled clam meat potentially detrimental to a captive wolffish?
Answer
It bypasses the necessary dental workout and physical engagement.
A diet composed entirely of soft, readily consumable tissues, such as de-shelled clam meat, fails to engage the fish's inherent physical capabilities and natural feeding instincts. Wolffish are evolutionarily equipped with a formidable dental structure designed to process tough materials. When keepers only provide easy-to-eat food, the fish miss out on the necessary physical challenge that helps maintain the function and health of their powerful jaws. This specialization means that providing textural complexity and firmness, often achieved by offering items in the shell, is crucial for optimal welfare, as opposed to simple nutritional convenience.
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