[4] Cetopsis coecutiens, like its sister species C. candiru, is a carnivorous fish and commonly described as a voracious feeder, making use of powerful jaw musculature and a nearly continuous cutting surface of the incisiform dentition.

Due to these habits carcasses that were fed on by C. candiru oftentimes appear almost entirely skeletonized, but retain cartilage, eyeballs and tight skin.

[5] The role of these fish as important aquatic scavengers is highlighted by their prominent appearance in forensics around the Amazon, being well known to even feed on cadavers found in the various rivers of northern South America.

[6][7] At least one confirmed report tells of a single Cetopsis attacking a living child, although the exact culprit could not be determined between the two carnivorous species C. candiru and C.

[8] Other reports mention Cetopsis candiru feeding on live fish caught in gillnets or hooked by fishermen.