| Biology |
Often found in
great abundance at midwater to bottoms depths in large and
small rivers. Feeds on algae, periphyton and phytoplankton.
Not known to prosper in impoundments. Well known for its
annual trophic migrations out to the floodplains in wet
season. Returns to rivers as water levels begin to fall in
October with numbers increasing through December and then
slowly declining. From just upstream Phnom Penh in Cambodia
to the Khone Falls this species is reported to migrate
upstream during the period October-February. At Muk Kompul
in Kandal Province, it migrates upstream just before the
full moon. Further upstream near Kratie, migration occurs
during full moon and at Sambor, migration takes place
immediately after full moon. Near the Khone Falls, upstream
movements continue through March but in April fish are
moving in both direction. From May to July, at the start of
the rainy season, it migrates downstream from the Khone
Falls to the Mekong Delta. Here, the fish is reported to
move out of the Mekong into canals and flooded areas in
August-September. When water recedes in November-December,
fish migrates to the Mekong again. Upstream the Khone Falls
near Ubolratchatani in Thailand, this species moves upstream
between February and June, consisting mainly of juveniles in
February-March and of adults (15-20 cm) in April-June.
Further upstream from Xayabouri in Laos to Chiang Khong in
Thailand, upstream migrations takes place between March to
July, first by juveniles, later by adults. Used to make
prahoc along the Tonlé Sap, Cambodia. Often seen in the
aquarium trade. |
