Inhabits brackish estuaries, large to medium rivers and some large subalpine lakes. Sedentary populations inhabit even in small rivers or barbel zone. Feeds mainly on small molluscs and insect larvae. Breeds in riffles in shallow, fast-flowing streams and rivers on gravel. Semi-anadromous populations forage in freshened parts of sea and migrate for long distances to spawn. Lacustrine populations move to fast-flowing tributaries. Spent adults return to foraging habitats (Ref. 59043). Threatened from its range due to water obstruction (Ref. 26100).