Freshwater food fish of lesser importance but a potential ornamental fish for export. Found almost everywhere in plains and estuaries in India. Body eel like and slightly compressed. Snout pointed. Grows to a length of 18 cm in Peninsular India but growth is half in  North Bengal. It is characterized by having 24-26 predorsal spines and dorsal fin with 30-42 soft rays. The colour of fish is olive green along back, yellowish on belly with many yellowish white spots on flanks and often striped with dark brown vertical stripes. Generally non aggressive but needs sandy bottom for hiding. They jump during night and hence aquarium may be provided a cover. The ideal water quality parameter are temperature 20-27 °C, pH 6.0-8.0 and moderate hardness. They are nocturnal and carnivore and feed on benthic insect larvae, earthworms, black worms and some submerged plant material. In  aquarium, they require live foods in their diet such as live fish, tubifex worms, brine shrimps, mosquito larvae, frozen shrimps, etc. They lay their eggs in submerged vegetation. Captive breeding has been achieved.