Biology

Prefers quiet stretches of river channels, deep pools and floodplain lagoons with aquatic vegetation; may form small shoals; feeds mainly on insect larvae, shrimps, small snails and small fish (Ref. 52193). Known to move up tributaries when they come down in spate and may breed in newly inundated areas (Ref. 13337). Spawns during the rainy season; females carry up to 7,000 eggs; caught by subsistence fishermen and anglers (Ref. 7248, 52193).