Author: (Hancock, 1828)
FBname: Atipa
Remark: See Reis (1997) for phylogeny and Reis (1998) for detailed description.
Comments: Inhabits swamps (Ref. 11225).  During the rainy season, adults consume a great quantity of chironomids associated with detritus.  During the dry season, they feed mostly on terrestrial insects, micro-crustaceans, aquatic Diptera, and detritus.  Absorbs a great quantity of anaerobic bacteria from the substrate (Ref. 27188).  First reproduction occurs after one year (Ref. 35381).  Used to be cultured commercially in Guyana (Ref. 7306).  Cultured in Trinidad on a semi-commercial scale (Ref. 11225).