Author: (Linnaeus, 1766)
Comments: Occurs in swamps.  Well-adapted to hypoxic environments, being able to survive for hours, emerged.  Adults feed on small fishes, arthropods, worms and sometimes on fruits (Ref. 35381).  The spiny structure of the pectoral fins enables the male to hold the females during mating (internal fertilization).  Sperm can be kept in the female's genital tract for several months, owing to a gelatinous emission from the seminal vesicle of the male.  At maturity, the size of the adhesive eggs (20% of the female's weight) is 3 mm.  Nine days after hatching, alevin size is 1.5 cm and they feed on microscopic worms or small insects.  At around 11 days, their negative phototropism pushes them to hide themselves under branches or rocks.  Its pink flesh is highly appreciated by the local population (Ref. 27188).