These fish vary in colour from grey to black in the ventral lateral and ventral black region. The difference in colour depends on the type of water they inhabit. They have small black pectoral fins. It is normally a solitary species. Adults remain in flooded forests during the first five months of flooding, where they feed on fruits and grains. Juveniles live in the black water of the plains until sexual maturity. They feed on zooplankton, insects, snails and decaying plants.

Interesting facts

Juveniles have oval or rounded spots all over the body. Smaller specimens have colourless pelvic and pectoral fins.

Conservation status