Quite widely distributed having been recorded from Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Venezuela. It’s been collected from the upper parts of several major river drainages including the Río Negro, Río Orinoco (including the Río Inírida and Casiquiare canal) and Río Solimões.

The type series was collected from ‘Igarapé Préto’, Brazil, said to be 60 kilometres to the south of the Colombian border city Leticia. Populations from Colombia and Brazil tend to be more intensely-coloured, and the Peruvian populations may apparently represent an undescribed species.

✦Keep the water temperature between 75-82°F (24-28°C) with a pH level of 6.0-7.5

✦ Provide plenty of plants and hiding spots. 

✦Offer a varied diet of high-quality flakes, pellets, and live/frozen foods. 

✦Regular water changes and monitoring water parameters are essential. 

✦Keep them in groups of at least six to encourage natural behavior.