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Ontogenetic changes in the absolute dimensions of the cranial system together with changes in kinematics during prey capture can cause differences in the spatiotemporal patterns of water flow generated during suction feeding. Because the velocity of this water flow determines the force that pulls prey toward and into the mouth cavity, this can affect suction feeding performance. In this study, size‐related changes in the suction‐induced flow patterns are determined. To do so, a mathematical suction model is applied to video recordings of prey capturing Clarias gariepinus ranging in total length from 111 to 923 mm. Although large C. gariepinus could be expected to have increasing peak velocities of water flow compared with small individuals, the results from the hydrodynamic model show that …