These small dwarf cichlids are generally wild collected from Colombia, where they occur in tanin stained, acidic waters. Ideally, these conditions should be replicated in the home aquarium for the best success. They can be kept over leaf litter, such as oak leaves, beech, and Indian Almond leaves (if you simply must spend money to get leaves). Males will often use these leaves to make territories, and they will also be used as spawning sites.

These fish do best at a higher temperature than many tropical community fish, though they generally prove fairly adaptable. They are an ideal mix with Discus or Angelfish, coming from similar water and temperature needs. However, they can be successfully maintained at a neutral to slightly acidic pH and "standard" temperatures (in the high 70s). Higher temperatures and acidic water are only really required if you plan on breeding this fish, though we've found them to be plastic enough to breed in tap water.

While males will generally get significantly larger than females, there is very little sexual dimorphism present in this species. Mature males will develop a long lyretail, while females will maintain the juvenile "spade" shaped tail.

These beautiful dwarf cichlids are generally fairly shy and timid, and care should be taken to ensure that they're able to eat in a mixed species tank. They can be maintained with other dwarf cichlids, such as Apistogramma, and groups of shoaling fish, such as Pygmy Corydoras, Ember Tetras, Glass Bloodfins, and the like will often make them feel far more secure.