[1] The Cape kurper is an adaptable species and occurs in various habitats from rocky, faster flowing streams to more slower, heavily-vegetated waters.

It shows a preference for quieter marginal areas, where it finds shelter among rocks, submerged roots and branches of trees or in aquatic plants.

The female appears to lay the eggs which adhere to the substrate and them the male moves in and releases his milt After spawning the male chases the female away, and assumes sole responsibility for guarding and tending the eggs[5] and the young fry, which also adhere to substrate, in typical fashion for the Anabantidae.

[2] The Cape kurper occasionally plays dead when caught by anglers, only to slip out of the hands as soon as the hook has been removed.

[5] The Cape kurper is currently considered to be a single species, however, recent genetic studies have revealed that there are no fewer than two, and possibly more lineages.