Once the optimum conditions are met, proper feed-
ing is the most important factor in the care of these
animals. But to date their natural diet has not been sat-
isfactorily determined. Fortunately, the animals are not
too particular, and many different foods are acceptable.
It is often necessary to try several different foods and
see which ones the animals will ingest and which are
rejected. Try whole or diced fish of marine origin (avoid
freshwater fish, such as “feeder” goldfish), whole shrimp,
squid or clam meat, and artificial foods, such as pellets
or well-thawed cubed frozen foods. If a food is rejected
repeatedly, don’t waste more time on it. Place the food
on the oral disk; if necessary reduce the currents in the
tank to ensure the animal has a chance to grab it. If the
food is acceptable, the animal will respond by capturing
