[1][2][3] It typically inhabits slow-moving or standing waters such as rivers, lakes and lagoons; although primarily a freshwater fish, it may occur in slightly brackish habitats.

[4] Males grow larger than females and also develop a prominent nuchal hump on their forehead.

Adults are quite colourful cichlids with an orange to pinkish-red head, a body often displaying greenish, bluish, pink and golden-orange, and a horizontal black bar (often patchy or mottled) at the base of the tail; the belly and mottling elsewhere on the body can also be black.

There are significant individual and geographical variations in the colours; partially, this is related to the clarity of the water at a location.

[2] Adults are always robust and high-bodied cichlids, but there are some regional variations depending on habitat.