 Adults inhabit the deeper pools in rivers, sheltered by boulders or riparian trees.Young fish gather in schools near the water surface, associating with overhanging riparian growth, in particular palmiet ("Prionium serratum", a Thurniaceae).The food is mainly benthic invertebrates; adults are also known to take other edible matter that drifts by, such as terrestrial insects that have fallen on the water surface.