It is one of the most widespread species in the Limia genus, inhabiting waters ranging from fresh to hypersaline.

[4] L. perugiae populations inhabiting the hypersaline localities of Lago Enriquillo, Laguna de Oviedo, and Las Salinas are smaller and less colorful and have proportionally larger heads than those living in the nearby freshwater habitats.

Freshwater males develop more distinct secondary sex characteristics, including a broader body and longer fins.

The cessation of growth is brought on by the onset of sexual maturity, which is in turn genetically determined but also influenced by environmental factors.

[5] It inhabits freshwater systems as well as saline and hypersaline lakes and coastal lagoons;[5] and clear springs as well as polluted man-made ditches and muddy creeks.

It has the large gut length that is most commonly associated with the more herbivorous species, however, which suggests that it may adapt its diet to the various types of environments it inhabits.

It produces a large number of offspring, most of which fall prey to predators; only few survive to adulthood.