This non-annual killifish is native to Cuba where it is found mostly on the western side of the island in densely planted fresh and sometimes brackish waters. They prefer to swim near the muddy bottoms of slow moving or stagnant pools.
Males are usually 3.6 cm (1.4 in) in length while females are slightly smaller. The males are more colorful and become especially bright during breeding. Females can lay up to 10 eggs a day by depositing them individually on plant leaves. Most of their diet consists of insect larvae and microfauna. They do well in aquariums but are not commonly found in the hobby.