The lake is irregular in shape, with northern, western, and eastern sections connected by a central marshy area, which receives the main freshwater inflows.

The western portion is saltier, and sustains unusual fisheries of clam shrimps (Eocyzicus digueti and Leptestheria compleximanus), as well as hemipterans, and ephydrids.

[5] The lake basin is the only habitat for Thamnophis eques cuitzeoensis, a subspecies of the essentially harmless, semi-aquatic Mexican garter snake.

It is also a beautiful lake to practice kayaking in the southeast shore, there is a convenient fishermen entrance at 19°53'16"N 100°55'05"W following a land road from the town of San Bernardo.

This town is 13 km west from the entrance of Morelia's International airport following the free road to Zinapecuaro.