Author: Eigenmann & Ward, 1907
Comments: Occurs in swamps and flooded grounds with shallow, almost stagnant water, which may either be clear or loaded with sediments.  A quiet fish which finds shelter among aquatic plant stocks or amidst tree roots.  Its long dense branchiospines suggest microphagous and planktophagous feeding, possibly including small crustaceans  (Ref. 35237).  It possesses weak teeth, indicating that it is not a predator.  Has never been spawned in the aquarium nor are there reports of any spawning in nature (Ref. 12251).  May occur together with the following species:  <i>Hoplosternum littorale</i>, <i>Parauchenipterus galeatus</i>, <i>Chaetobranchus flavescens</i>, <i>Pterophyllum scalare</i>, <i>Heros efasciatus</i>, <i>Mesonauta guyanae</i>, and <i>Hypselecara temporalis</i>.