Author: (Boulenger, 1896)
FBname: Nembwe
Comments: Juveniles occur mostly on the floodplain and in lagoons and secondary channels, but larger adults appear to prefer mainstream habitats, like deep main channels and permanent lagoons,and are associated with in-stream structures such as woody debris, macrophyte beds, reeds, and eroded clay cliffs on outside bends of the rivers (Ref. 7248, 94654, 128638). Large specimens patrol open water of rivers and lakes, never very far from shore (Ref. 246) and live in well-vegetated quiet waters or near submerged trees or rocks in the lee of the river’s main current, lunging out to capture prey (Ref. 5614). Predator on fish but also feeds on aquatic and terrestrial insects, shrimps and small crabs (Ref. 13337). Adults often feed on squeakers (Ref. 7248, 13337, 94654). Mouthbrooder (Ref. 246, 13337, 13721) and multiple spawner (Ref. 13337). Constructs shallow nest on sandy or muddy substrate in shallow water (Ref. 13337). Reported to have adverse impact on native fish species in Zimbabwe (Ref. 94654).