Biology

Occurs in lakes, rivers, muddy coastal seas and estuaries (Ref. 5259). Inhabits fresh water in upper reaches of streams, also found in brackish estuaries and lower reaches of rivers (Ref. 44894). Feeds on fishes, prawns, insects, terrestrial fruits, aquatic plants, bottom detritus (Ref. 5259, 44894) and mollusks (Ref. 2847). Breeds between the late dry and early wet season (September to January) in coastal lagoons and flooded swamps. Males orally incubate the eggs until they hatch and guard the fry for about 4 weeks afterwards. A good angling and eating species (Ref. 44894).