Origin
Native to the Pacific coastal drainages of Ecuador and northern Peru. Often found in slow-moving or stagnant rivers with muddy or sandy bottoms.

Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Brilliant electric-green body with metallic blue spangling, orange-tipped fins, and a stocky build. Males develop a large nuchal hump. Expressive, bold, and intelligent—often interacts with keepers.

Purpose
Acts as a dominant visual anchor and territorial centerpiece in larger tanks. Adds aggression and color to New World cichlid aquascapes.

Importance
Ideal for intermediate hobbyists seeking a manageable yet aggressive cichlid. It offers long-term engagement through recognition behavior and breeding displays.

Included Resources
Requires sturdy décor, powerful filtration, and space to claim territory. Sand substrate and hiding areas like clay pots or rocks are essential.

Best Use Cases
Works in large South American setups, single-specimen tanks, or species-specific breeding projects. Can cohabit with other robust cichlids or catfish in tanks 75 gallons and up.

Conservation Context
No major threats reported, but habitat loss and water pollution in native areas warrant responsible sourcing and captive breeding support.

Ideal Aquatic Species
• Large plecos or catfish (Pimelodus, Synodontis)
• Silver dollars
• Severums, Jack Dempseys (with caution)
• Avoid small or delicate fish (will be harassed or eaten)

Region (A)
• Latitude: -2.2200° S
• Longitude: -79.9000° W
(Guayas Basin, coastal Ecuador)

Region (B)
• Latitude: -5.1800° S
• Longitude: -80.6500° W
(Chira River basin, northern Peru)