| Remarks |
Occurs in both river and swamp habitats (Refs. 2, 6465). Hardy, tolerating fresh and brackish water (up to 20ppt, Ref. 3), preferring slow-flowing or standing water (Refs. 7248, 12524, 13337, 52193) with some weed cover (Refs. 12524, 13337). Adults occupy deep open waters (Refs. 7248, 12524, 13337, 52193), juveniles remain inshore among vegetation (Refs. 7248, 52193). Hippo pools are a favoured retreat (Refs. 12524, 13337). Forms schools (Refs. 2, 12524, 13337). Mainly diurnal; a detritivore which feeds on fine particulate matter (Ref. 2), including algae (Refs. 246, 12524, 13337, 53992), diatoms, detritus (Ref. 7248, 52193, 53992) and zooplankton (Refs. 7248, 52193). Larger individuals also take insects and other invertebrates (Ref. 53992). Feeding regime is variable, the diet changes according to food availability (Ref. 6465). |