Biology

A long-lived species which occurs in lentic waters (Ref. 26100). Inhabits lakes and lower course of rivers, with mud to sand bottom. Feeds on algae, plant material, insect larvae and detritus. Spawns in both lakes and their tributaries. Individual females spawn with 3-7 males on sandy beaches, especially near estuaries of tributaries. Larvae and juveniles form small monospecific schools in bays and harbours (Ref. 59043). Threatened due to habitat destruction and pollution (Ref. 26100).