TSN - A good predator?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
O

OSXer

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jun 26, 2006
24
0
1
MI
In general are TSNs good at catching their prey? My impression was that in their native habitat they are an active catfish that consume living prey as opposed to carrion they come across.

Maybe I just got one that's a bit clueless, but he can't seem to manage when it comes to catching something that moves. He can suck down shrimp, fillets, etc, and I appreciate that he has taken to non-living foods. However, as far as feeders go I swear he has to wait until they are asleep to be competent at consuming them. FWIW, he's about 12"-14" presently and feeders are ~3".

P.S. Yes, I am aware of risks using feeders, etc, so please don't feel the need to educate me. They are quarantined before hand and fed (not nutritionally inferior feeders from a LFS).
 
TSN;s are Strikers... they are a really fast fish and will use that speed to get their prey... perhaps your tank demensions aren't comfortable for your TSN to be able to use this speed and it then needs to rely on it's "short game" which may not be up to par :D
 
they are really fast, they can catch their prey in the blink of an eye.
your tsn has a good size, perhaps more room for him ??
 
I'd compare their hunting most of the time as being garlike. They kind of meander sometimes towards their prey, and right when they least expect it a lightning quick strike and all you will see is a cloud of scales. They can be very aggressive when hunting though. I found that out. I had one end up on the floor as it chased a feeder to the top of it's tank and jumped out feeder in mouth. That was my first catfish death many years ago.
 
Thanks for the feedback.
necrocanis;2013224; said:
I'd compare their hunting most of the time as being garlike. They kind of meander sometimes towards their prey, and right when they least expect it a lightning quick strike and all you will see is a cloud of scales.
Click to expand...
This is what I have noticed, except I'd describe it more as they meander towards their prey and then tickle them with their whiskers. At this point though the prey gets a clue about what is going on and gets the hell out of Dodge! Seems ineffective.

I'm sure if I had a 20' open water setup, the TSN could probably swim faster than whatever it is after. I've been more impressed by the abilities of natives or african hapolochromes I have kept though.
 
They taste and feel with their wiskers(barbells). Sometimes they are super picky about prey. Other times it's like wham!
 
my first experience with TSN hunting goes like this
i had 2 4" TSNs and a jar along with them
and as i didn't know better i used to get feeders for them
i used to put the feeders in and sit and wait for my cats to eat but unfortunately i never saw 'em hunt but they used to get fat and the number of feeders would be reduced
they are the best hunters among the cats IMO
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom