Origin
Native to Pacific drainages in Costa Rica, especially the Río Sixaola and Río Tempisque basins. Inhabits slow-moving streams and rivers with rocky bottoms and submerged wood.

Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Stocky body with golden-beige tones, accented by a dark vertical stripe intersecting a horizontal flank bar—forming a “T” shape. Males display iridescent blue-green hues and longer fins. Known for interactive and alert behavior.

Purpose
Serves as a manageable centerpiece cichlid in Central American aquariums. Provides movement, color contrast, and natural breeding behaviors including cave-guarding and fry-rearing.

Importance
Ideal for aquarists seeking an intelligent, expressive fish without the overwhelming aggression of larger cichlids. Offers a glimpse into parental bonding and complex social signals.

Included Resources
Requires caves, visual barriers, and moderate current. Tank should include driftwood or rock piles. Works in planted or bare setups with moderate lighting.

Best Use Cases
Pairs well in species tanks, Central American biotopes, or community tanks with robust companions. Best kept as a bonded pair in 40+ gallon tanks.

Conservation Context
Not considered threatened. Mostly available through captive breeding. Native habitats are at risk due to deforestation and runoff, so hobbyist education matters.

Ideal Aquatic Species
• Swordtails, mollies
• Corydoras (robust types)
• Giant danios, rainbowfish
• Bristlenose plecos
• Other small to mid-size Central American cichlids (with caution)

Region (A)
• Latitude: 10.3167° N
• Longitude: -85.3667° W
(Río Tempisque Basin, Costa Rica)

Region (B)
• Latitude: 9.6000° N
• Longitude: -82.8500° W
(Río Sixaola system, southern Caribbean slope)