It originates in large streams and reservoirs in China, Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, Korea, and the Amur River basin.

The fish reaches a size up to 23.0 cm (9.1 in) long, and is native to fresh and brackish water habitats with a pH of 7.0, a hardness of 15 DH, and a temperature of 18 to 22 °C (64 to 72 °F).

The bulk of its diet includes zooplankton, insects, crustaceans, algae, and detritus.

In Hong Kong, it is not favored as a table fish because the flesh is unpalatable and very bony.

[3] This species is special in that the two hermaphroditic members of the couple are united for life.