Gymnostomus ariza occurs in clear rivers and tanks, feeding on plankton and detritus.

Its growth is fairly rapid; and it can reach lengths of about 30 cm in natural waters.

[2] However, the fry of this species are readily available in July–September in rivers such as the Cauvery and Bhavani, especially at dawn and dusk.

These are collected to stock ponds and in even seasonal waters due to their rapid growth.

The colour of this species in life is variable, from dull dirty white or greyish to silvery or yellow, and the narrow stripes van vary in their distinctiveness.