Biology

Adults inhabit streams, lakes and ponds with slow to moderate current, clear water and sand bottom. In Mediterranean basin, commonly found in spring-fed water bodies and also occur in other habitats including brackish water. Feed predominantly on small invertebrates. Spawn in springs and brackish water. Males build, guard and aerate the nest where the eggs are deposited (Ref. 205). Locally rare or extirpated in several Mediterranean drainages. Size reaches up to about 10 cm SL (Ref. 59043).