Biology

Occurs in brackish- and fresh-water habitats with low salinity (< 2 ppt); lagoons and lakes; large rivers to small, fast-flowing streams; on sand or mud bottom; mainly in well vegetated or high-complexity habitats. Abundant in backwaters and still channels (Ref. 59043). Longevity is 4-5 years; spawns for the first time at 2 years; spawning season in April to June, occasionally until mid-August; females may repeat spawning during a season; usually spawns for a single season. Males guard eggs until hatching; with adhesive eggs deposited on stones, shells and aquatic plants (Ref. 59043). Feeds on crustaceans (esp. Corophiid amphipods), aquatic insects (mostly chironomid larvae), polychaetes, also small fish and mollusks (Ref. 4696).