Inhabits ponds, streams and rivers, preferring stagnant and muddy water of plains. Found mainly in swamps, but also occurs in the lowland rivers. More common in relatively deep (1-2 m), still water. Very common in freshwater plains. Occurs in medium to large rivers, brooks, flooded fields and stagnant waters including sluggish flowing canals. Survives dry season by burrowing in bottom mud of lakes, canals and swamps as long as skin and air-breathing apparatus remain moist and subsists on the stored fat. Feeds on fish, frogs, snakes, insects, earthworms, tadpoles and crustaceans. Undertakes lateral migration from the Mekong mainstream, or other permanent water bodies, to flooded areas during the flood season and returns to the permanent water bodies at the onset of