| Remarks |
Occurs in diverse habitats from free flowing clear water streams, well up into the valleys, to slow turbid waters, water courses, irrigation and drainage ditches, and ponds on the plains (Ref. 11225). Known to occur at a temperature range of 30-35.5 °C, ph range of 4.8-6.9, and an alkalinity range of 105-315 (Ref. 9116). Rests in vegetation during the day and is active at night (Ref. 6858). Forms schools or may occur in small groups. Is mainly diurnal (Ref. 9084). Adults feed on fish; juveniles feed on crustacean and insect larvae (Ref. 26543, 26681), shrimps and other small invertebrates (Ref. 12225). Fish 2-10 cm SL are characterized as insectivores and >10 cm SL are piscivores (Ref. 59290). Has a digestive tract adapted to a piscivorous diet, which is independent of its ontogenetic stage of development. Small individuals <10 cm showed negative allometry, as their digestive tracts are not well adapted to efficiently exploit the food ingested (insects) (Ref. 59290). |