Biology

A short-lived species which inhabits both flowing and stagnant shallows with abundant vegetation and detrital substrate. Spawns in March and April (Ref. 26100). Feeds on invertebrates, mainly on amphipods and copepods. Females may spawn more than once during a season. Up to 600 eggs are spawns by several females in a single nest. Eggs (2.4 x 0.9 mm) are spawned in a cavity (often inside standing, broken reeds); these are cleaned and guarded by the males. The eggs hatch probably in one day, larvae living on the bottom; both male and female dying shortly after spawning (Ref.59043).