Retropinnis - Predator or Scavenger?

[spitz006]

I have a Retro bichir and have had him for many years with small fish and he's never eaten anything alive. He currently lives with small clown loaches who swim right in front of his face all the time and he never even makes an attempt. Is this normal for this species? Or have I just gotten lucky so far?

 

[Milingu]

In nature retropinnis is predatory, but it's food consists mostly of insects.

 

[giseok jung]

I think some species belongs to P.weeksii group, especially P. weeksii and P. retropinnis have more scavenger habits than other species of genus.

The large specimens of P. weeksii and P. retropinnis are the slowest eater in my tank, and I feel like they prefer something like 'leftover food' than hunt and eat right after I put their foods.

 

[Milingu]

Insects that fall into the water are usually not the fastest swimmers.