This medium sized tetra is collected in the Rio Madre de Dios and small ponds and lakes that are flooded by the river during the rainy season.

Found in mixed schools of Aphyocharax detatus and other tetras.

Very fast swimmer and good jumper. Males have elongated anal fins and deeper bodies than females. Enters small streams during high water periods. Colors fade when fish are stressed but quickly return. Breeds freely in warm water.

Colors intensify when kept in water with organic content and in groups of same specie.