Biology

Found in the middle stretches of rivers, in areas with current and also frequently in still water. Occurs in groups, especially during pre-reproduction migration (Ref. 59043). A long-lived species which also inhabits water bodies on low plains (Ref. 26100). Feeds on invertebrates, plants and detritus (Ref. 59043). Spawning takes place in April. Threatened due to pollution and the introduction of other species (Ref. 26100). Max. length (Alejandro Ramos, pers. comm., 2002).