Max length : 10.0 cm SL male/unsexed; (Ref. 7248); 12 cm SL (female); max. reported age: 2 years (Ref. 7248)
Environment
Benthopelagic; freshwater; brackish
Climate / Range
Subtropical; 5°C - 22°C; 23°S - 33°S
Africa: Widely distributed from Limpopo to upland Natal, Transkei and the middle and upper Orange basin, including the Karoo. Absent from the lower Orange. Present in the coastal rivers of the Cape (Olifants, Gourits, Gamtoos, Sundays and Great Fish) but absent from Cape Fold Mt. streams. Countries | FAO areas | Ecosystems | Occurrences | Introductions
Favors cooler waters. Occurs in small groups and shoals, in various habitats from small streams to large rivers and lakes. Frequently associates with cover or shelter such as fallen logs, brushwood or marginal vegetation. Feeds on insects, zooplankton, seeds, green algae and diatoms. Oviparous (Ref. 205). Breeds during summer when rivers are swollen after rain and lays adhesive eggs amongst vegetation. Is preyed upon by larger fishes and birds (Ref. 7248 & 5214).
