[7] This species is strictly rheophilic and found in rapids, but prefers sheltered, Podostemaceae-covered rocky crevices.

[8] The species is primarily a herbivore and a diet analysis of 10 specimens revealed mostly plant material, but also lower quantities of macroinvertebrates.

This is believed to be due to reproductive dominance, once a suitable breeding location is found, the female will not surrender it.

This parasite is only known from Ossubtus xinguense where it lives in the gill chamber of the fish and develops a contorted morphology, presumably in response to its host's cursive ontogeny.

[1] A review in 2016 suggested that it is more widespread than previously believed and its historic rarity as museum specimens in part can be explained by its habitat (rapids), which are difficult to sample, but it remains threatened by dams such as the Belo Monte.