South American toad fish (monster fish) eating behavior

[charles]

I don't have high speed camera. But I can try to describe what I saw.

[charles]

Just to make sure the Monster fish is eating. I decided to scoop some cardinal out. They were the not so smart one that got suck into the garage can while I was doing water changes...

The monster fish were laying still even after I throw a bunch of cardinals in. But as the cardinal wonders around the front of the monster fish, it snatched the cardinals with ligthening speed. It is so fast that all you can see or think you see a flash of moment and the cardinal is gone. Quite unique...

[budahrox]

How large do they get Charles???
I'm guessing that they will eat anything that fits into their mouths???
Cheers!!

[charles]

I have heard they will grow to about 8". So yes, nothing small enough to fit into its mouth.

[aquaboy71]

have you tried bloodworms by chance?

[charles]

no, but I bet I can tangle a piece of prawn and it will eat it. I think it detects movement.

[Adz1]

how about night crawlers?

[Johnnyfishtanks]

i think you should sit there till you get footage

[charles]

i tried with my camera. They are too fast. I see if I can do with my point and shoot video camera.

[King-eL]

They only grow to 6" and average size around 4-5" in aquaria. I got some that came from King Ed and they rarely move. They are ambush predator. Just be careful of the top spine as they have venom. They like to hide under the substrates too. Mine will only eat fish and will even try to swallow almost the same size slender shape or flat shape fish. Ate my small oscar and rck before.