Inhabits freshwater rivers, lakes and reservoirs, frequenting areas with a lot of submerged branches, such as flooded forests (Ref. 12693). Adult fish feed on small shrimps, fish fry and small fishes while young individuals take zooplankton (Ref. 6459). Also feeds on crabs, worms and insect larvae (Ref. 12693) and plants (Ref. 56749). Esteemed food fish which is marketed fresh and often seen in aquarium trade (Ref. 12693).