Author: Hossain, Sarker, Sharifuzzaman & Chowdhury, 2013
Comments: This species is found in ponds, ditches, canals, flooded rice fields, swamps, marshes, waterlogged areas and rivers. Its air-breathing apparatus enables it to survive in low water depth, even in turbid and oxygen deficit conditions. During the winter season the fish can live in semi-liquid mud and when the mud dries up they burrow to the bottom of fissures and crevices formed by the cracking mud. Recorded physicochemical parameters during the study period are the following: water temperature 18-28°C; pH 6.5-7.5; dissolved oxygen 4.5-5.0 mg/l; water transparency 45-60 cm at 1.0-1.8 m depth.  This fish is able to deliver a stinging protein (known as poison) emanated from the venom glands around the pectoral spine, and is reported to be neurotoxic and hemolytic (i.e. destruction of red blood cells) in humans, causing local numbness, inflammation and severe painful physical conditions on the affected limb (warm water bath, application of lukewarm turmeric paste, ejection of blood, and traditional herbal medicine are commonly used for healing).  Still, its flesh is of good table quality and nutritional value. rich in iron and low fat, and a valuable source of protein (Ref. 94657).