These fish are Central American Cichlids, native to the Atlantic side of Mexico and the northern portion of Guatemala. This species tends to inhabit both freshwater and brackish environments where it feeds on plants lining the shore. Though coloration may vary according to the locality, many Pantano Cichlids exhibit an overall brownish orange or yellow coloration accented with a large dark patch along the belly. These Cichlids are not very common in the aquarium trade, but they can be a striking addition to the Cichlid tank.