It lives in the middle and upper layers of water bodies. It is lively and jumps out of the water when it is startled. Feeds on phytoplankton. Sexual maturity is reached at age 3. There are more broodstock from late April to June. When the water temperature reaches above 18°C, the river water rises or the flow speed intensifies, they breed in river sections with rapids and swirling water. Young fish take the initiative to swim into river bays or lakes in search of food. After spawning, broodstock often enter lakes with abundant food to feed and fatten. In winter, when the lake water drops, mature individuals return to the depths of the riverbed of the main stream to overwinter; most immature individuals overwinter in deep waters of lakes and other auxiliary water bodies. Winter is in a less active state.