They are freshwater riverine fishes and are almost black in colour in its natural conditions. However, aquarists have developed their albino and gold strain which are highly popular in the aquarium industry. Grows to a length of around 14 cm. It is  a very hardy fish, mildly aggressive but generally does not pose a problem for the other fishes of equal or larger size. It is better to keep them in a group in a separate aquarium. The ideal water temperature for the species is 24-32 °C, pH <7.0 and soft water. Omnivorous, but needs vegetable matter in its diet. Courgette, peas, and lettuce is eaten with relish. In aquarium, it can feed with ornamental fish diets specially made for herbivore fishes. Sexes can be differentiated in mature specimens. Sexually dimorphic and is a substrate spawner. A good female lay around 1000 eggs which are guarded by both parents.