The three subspecies are It has a wide tolerance and can be found in a variety of habitats, including streams, lakes, ponds and sinkholes.

Breeding occurs from early spring to late summer; the male fish defend a territory, construct a simple cleared nest in the substrate and attract gravid females.

[3] Pseudocrenilabrus philander prefers to remain close to the substrate, only rarely moving higher than 1m above the bottom.

Most of its food is obtained from foraging through the substrate, though small swimming prey such as zooplankton are taken when the opportunity to do so arises.

In shallow water, individuals will rise to the surface to seize stranded terrestrial insects such as ants or termites.