[1] This species is found in lakes and swamps with muddy bottoms, where it uses its specialized teeth and only 3.5% jaw protrusion to feed mostly on algae.

The rainbow cichlid was first described in 1867 by Albert Günther and was then placed in the genus Heros, a synonym of Cichlasoma.

In 1903, it was removed from the Cichlasoma and placed in its own new genus Herotilapia, solely on the basis of its unique tricuspid teeth, an adaptation to eat filamentous algae.

As an individual's mood and environment changes, it can change its coloration between dark brown and bright yellow, and can either connect the line of spots into a black horizontal stripe, or extend them into vertical stripes that span across the top and front of the fish.

This cichlid is native to both the Atlantic and Pacific slopes of Central America, ranging from Costa Rica to Honduras and Nicaragua.

It is most commonly found in turbid and shallow waters such as the weedy margins of lakes and streams, or small ponds that are periodically flooded by nearby rivers.

The male and female form a pair after an initial courtship phase, then establish a territory centered on the future laying substrate, such as rocks.

The preferred egg-laying substrate is a vertical surface, ideally as part of a cave or tunnel.

[4] The eggs are then aggressively defended, most closely by the female while the male patrols the territory borders.

The young fry, commonly called "wrigglers", are immediately moved by the parents to a pit they have previously dug inside the territory.

A "whoof" sound is produced as an appeasement signal between the breeding pair to minimize aggressive interactions.