It was described in 2018 by Juan G. Albornoz-Garzón, Cristhian C. Conde-Saldaña, Jorge E. García-Melo, Donald C. Taphorn, and Francisco A.

This species inhabits freshwater environments, typically in areas with moderate to fast-flowing water.

The species exhibits a pattern of dark vertical bars along its body, which helps it blend into its environment.

However, habitat degradation and pollution in the Río Magdalena basin could pose potential threats to this species.

The fish is named dulima, the indigenous word of the Pijao ethnic group, meaning "river of snow" or "river of clouds", referring to the snow-covered Tolima mountain peak, which is the symbol of the department of Tolima which is where the type locality is situated, one of the most ecologically threatened areas in Colombia.