Author: (Pallas, 1769)
FBname: Bronze featherback
Comments: Found in clear streams and enters brackish waters (Ref. 4832).  Adults inhabit standing and sluggish waters of lakes, floodplains, canals and ponds (Ref. 12693).  Undertake localized lateral migrations from the Mekong River to floodplains during the flood season and back to the mainstream or other permanent water bodies during the dry season (Ref. 37770).  Common in tanks throughout the greater parts of India.  Feed on insects, fish (Ref. 12693), crustaceans and some young roots of aquatic plants (Ref. 6459).  Active during twilight and night.  Colonize and breed seasonally during rainy days and migrates back to permanent waters in dry season (Ref. 12693).  Breeding takes place in stagnant or running waters in the rainy season.  Eggs are laid in small clumps on submerged vegetation.  A female measuring 21-25 cm usually lays 1,200-3,000 eggs.  The fish is relished both in fresh and dried state.  Soup made from it is reported to be given to people with measles (Ref. 7431).  Of high economic importance as food fish in South and Southeast Asia to Borneo and Sumatra and taken by all types of small-scale fishing gears (Ref. 57235).