| Biology |
Occurs at
midwater to bottom depths in rivers, streams, floodplains,
and occasionally in reservoirs. Seems to prefer standing
water habitats instead of flowing waters. Inhabits the
flooded forest during high water period. Feeds on plant
matter (e.g. leaves, weeds, Ipomea reptans and
Hydrilla) and invertebrates. A migratory species but not
considered to be a long-distance migrant. Regarded as local
migrant which moves from the Mekong up into small streams
and canals and onto flooded areas during the rainy season
and back again during receding water. Some reports indicated
that upstream migration of this fish is triggered by the
first rains and rising water levels. When it finds a
tributary, canal or stream it moves upstream and eventually
onto flooded areas. When water recedes, it migrates back
into canals and streams and into the Mekong again. Often
used as a pituitary donor for artificial propagation in
aquaculture. Escapees from culture installations have become
established in rivers and form the basis for capture
fisheries on several Southeast Asian islands. Useful in
cropping excessive vegetation in reservoirs. Used for lap pa
(in the preparation of which the numerous small bones are
ground fine) or grilled or used to make som pa. Usually
marketed fresh and occasionally seen in the aquarium trade.
A specimen measuring 45 cm TL (2,100 g) was reportedly
caught from Dan Tchang Reservoir, Thailand on 8 July 2003. |
