Shabout

The shabout inhabits rivers from upstream tributaries to river mouths. However, it is rather adaptable and can also be found in more stagnant waters like marshes and reservoirs, although this strong swimmer prefers slow to moderately flowing waters and it has relatively high oxygen requirements. Adults prefer relatively cool waters (optimum c. 22 °C [72 °F]), and migrate upstream in the summer when the lower reaches of rivers become warm, but smaller individuals stay in the lower parts year-round. Nevertheless, the species has a wide temperature tolerance with wild individuals living in rivers that range at least from 10.2 to 32.8 °C (50–91 °F), and individuals kept in aquaculture at between 8 and 31 °C (46–88 °F). This is a freshwater fish, but it does tolerate slightly brackish waters in estuaries; however, their growth significantly decreases under such conditions. Shabout breed in the spring and summer. They breed in upstream parts of rivers, generally in places with relatively cool and fast-flowing waters, a depth of no more than 1.5 m (4.9 ft) and a gravel bottom. A female reaches maturity when at least three years old and can lay up to 235,764 eggs, placed among gravel or plants. The species is mostly herbivorous, feeding on a wide range of plant material from algae and macrophytes to fruits and grain. …