Biology

Found in both altered and unaltered streams, but being unable to climb waterfalls restricts its habitat to the lower reaches of streams and estuaries; can be observed darting into the mud and leaf litter, or sheltering among rocks and cobble, rarely showing in the open; highly predaceous on various invertebrates, e.g. slow-moving thiarid snails and asiatic clams, and fishes; traditionally caught with a baited hook attached to a short stick (fishing method called kiomo'omo); relished as a food item, particularly when wrapped with leaves and roasted; now prized as bait by near-shore papio fisherman (Ref. 44091).