Leopard ctenos: not great hunters

[Betta132]

I recently found myself with some mosquitofish that needed re-homing, and with no other available options, I put them in the same tank as a young leopard ctenopoma. He spent about 15 minute stalking them around and trying to get at them, but he failed every single time. They always saw him coming. Evidently he's made to sit still and be invisible, so a tank that isn't absolutely packed with cover (it's mostly leaf litter and sticks) doesn't give him enough cover to catch fast midwater/topwater fish like mosquitos. He's given up. He still looks a bit interested if one swims right by his nose, but he doesn't try to nab them.
I'm guessing wild ctenos prefer shrimp, waterbugs, and slow, bottom-hugging fish. Or dumb fish.

 

[tlindsey]

I don't think he was hungry at the time, it could have easily sucked in the mosquito fish.

 

[krichardson]

They have that spotted pattern for a reason as it works as camoflage to help them blend in with their natural surroundings as they sneak up and suck in their prey.They are definitely not open water pursuit hunters.