[2] Species are generally found within mud and sand at the periphery of rivers and streams, but also occur in tropical rainforest leaf litter.

Species of Georissus are predators on invertebrates, and under laboratory conditions sometimes engage in cannibalism.

[3] Species within the genus are known for their habit of psammophory (actively covering their elytra with sand or mud) which helps protect them against predators.

[4] There are about 75 living species, including: The genus is divided into three subgenera (Georissus, Neogeorissus and Nipponogeorissus).

Recent molecular data indicate, that they belong to a clade comprising the small groups of Hydrophiloidea - Epimetopidae, Hydrochidae, Helophoridae and Georissidae.