The Pearl Cichlid is a South American Cichlid and is quite popular in the aquarium hobby. These fish are native to Brazil and Uruguay and can be found in the river systems in these countries which drain into the Atlantic Ocean. In addition to its native environment, populations of Pearl Cichlids have also been introduced into the United States, Taiwan, Australia and the Philippines. The overall body coloration of Pearl Cichlids tends to vary from light brown to a dark purplish color. Most specimens exhibit a dark spot near the tail as well as several vertical black bands running along the body. This species is named for the bright blue pearl-like dots covering the bodies of healthy specimens.