Chaca (genus) - Ecology

Ecology

These fish live in soft substrates where they will bury themselves as camouflage, both for protection and to feed. These fish are ambush predators. They feed on prey such as small fish, including cyprinids and pupfishes. They will lie in wait, well camouflaged, in preparation for prey to swim by. Sometimes, they use their maxillary barbels (attached to the upper jaw) to lure prey fish closer to its mouth, similar to a worm jerking in the water, although this behavior is contested by some aquarists who do not observe this behavior. When the catfish is ready to strike, the Chaca will open its large mouth rapidly, creating a vacuum that pulls in water and its prey, which may be up to half the fish's own length. These fish are also able to use this large mouth as a means of propulsion; when frightened, they will gulp a large amount of water and expel it through their gills.