Guianacara is a small genus of cichlid fish endemic to freshwater habitats in the Guiana Shield in South America.

[1][2] They mostly live in moderately flowing clear- or blackwater rivers and streams, but also occur in lagoons that are seasonally flooded.

[2][3][4] They are typically found over bottoms consisting of sandy patches intermixed with large rocks.

[2][4] The different species all have a dark line through the eye (its strength varies), but the adults can be separated by the appearance of the dark bar or spot on the mid-body.

[3] They reach up to 12 cm (4.7 in) in standard length.