The Red Terror Cichlid is native to Ecuador and Peru, though an introduced population also exists in Singapore. These fish tend to inhabit rivers and tributaries but have adapted to a variety of habitats. The Red Terror Cichlid received their nickname for both their fiery tempers and red coloration. As juveniles, these fish tend to exhibit a silver coloration with black vertical stripes and red fins. Females retain this coloration as they mature but males of the species often lose the stripes and develop an iridescent green or yellow coloration all over their bodies accented with vibrant red coloration on the throat and belly. The dorsal and anal fins in male Red Terror Cichlids are often bright blue.