**Catlas feed on the surface of the water body.**

**Introduction:**
Catlas, also known as walking catfish, are a type of air-breathing catfish that are native to Southeast Asia. They have the unique ability to move across land using their pectoral fins and breathe atmospheric oxygen. While they primarily live in water, they are capable of surviving in oxygen-depleted environments and can even migrate between water bodies.

**Feeding Behavior of Catlas:**
Catlas are omnivorous, meaning they consume both plant matter and small animals. However, their feeding behavior primarily focuses on the surface of the water body.

**Surface Feeding:**
Catlas are surface feeders, meaning they prefer to feed on food sources that are present on or near the surface of the water. This includes insects, small fish, crustaceans, and other small organisms that inhabit the surface layer.

**Advantages of Surface Feeding:**
1. Accessibility: The surface of the water provides easy access to food sources for catlas. They can quickly spot and capture prey that is swimming or floating on the surface.
2. Efficient Breathing: As air-breathing catfish, catlas need to regularly come up to the surface to breathe atmospheric oxygen. By feeding on the surface, they can satisfy their feeding and respiratory needs simultaneously.
3. Exploiting Resources: Many insects and other small organisms are found near the surface of the water, making it a rich feeding ground for catlas. By focusing on surface feeding, they can efficiently exploit available food resources.

**Feeding Adaptations:**
Catlas have evolved certain adaptations that facilitate their surface feeding behavior:
1. Upturned Mouth: The mouth of catlas is positioned in such a way that it faces upwards, allowing them to grab prey from the surface more easily.
2. Sensory Organs: They possess well-developed sensory organs, such as highly sensitive barbels or whisker-like structures, which help them detect and locate food sources on the water surface.

**Conclusion:**
Catlas are surface feeders, primarily feeding on the organisms present on or near the surface of the water body. Their ability to adapt to different environments and their unique feeding behavior contribute to their success as a species.