Biology

Occurs at temperatures ranging from 23.0-28.0 °C (Ref. 3). Tolerant of low oxygen concentrations (<1ppm) (Ref. 3, 48262, 52016) and high levels of carbon dioxide (Ref. 3, 52016). Occasionally forms schools (Ref. 2, 3, 363, 36900, 52061, 55020). Mainly diurnal (Ref. 2). Filter feeder (Ref. 787). Food consist almost entirely of phytoplankton (Ref. 3, 6316), mainly diatoms (Ref. 30832, 34291) but also higher plants (Ref. 27292), and small animals such as insects and their larvae, crustaceans (Ref. 4903, 27292) and worms (Ref. 27292), are taken as well, but they occur less frequently and may contribute to the diet of young fishes (Ref. 4903, 34291). Only diatoms (Ref. 4903, 54979) and some blue-green and green algae (Ref. 361) appear to be digested . Agamous (Ref. 12468), maternal moutbrooder (Ref. 363, 4903, 12468, 27292, 34291, 54840). Excellent taste, firm meat and suitable for sundrying (Ref. 54860).