Remarks |
Feeds actively probably around dusk and dawn (Ref. 11247). Feeds on insects, crustaceans, molluscs and fish (Ref. 28714). Juveniles of up to 5 cm feed exclusively on aquatic invertebrates (Ref. 11247). Fishes more than 18 cm TL long are predominantly piscivorous , but they include larger invertebrates in their diet until they reach ca. 50 cm TL, after which they appear to subsist wholly on fish (Ref. 34291). In the range of 15-45cm they heavily depend on fish and to a lesser degree on insects (Ref. 33614). The choice of either piscivorous or invertebrate diet depends on fish size and availibilty of food items (Ref. 11247). Diet differences have been observed in areas with different bottom hardness (Ref. 52014), but the diet is more varied over a hard bottom (Ref. 52014). Both the start of the reproductive cycle and breeding may be triggered by the rains, causing a rise in water level and a decline in conductivity (Ref. 35297). The reproduction period may be related to the water temperature (Ref. 51970). Juveniles may occur on exposed rocky shores (Ref. 34291, Ref. 12526). Can successfully withstand conditions of low oxygen tension (Ref. 52016). |