Known from southern Sao Paulo to northern Santa Catarina states in eastern Brazil, including the rios Jaraguá, Iguaçu, Tejuco, Ribeira de Iguape, Guabiroba, Tibagi, Capivari, Lindo, Itapocu, São Pedro, and upper Rio Paranapanema.

Juvenile specimens of this species are readily confused with those of other members of the 'G.' brasiliensis species group, but adults are easily-distinguished by their relatively smaller adult size and comparative lack of reflective blue scales on the body and head.

The genus Geophagus was rediagnosed by Kullander (1986) who restricted it to include only those species with paired caudal extensions to the swi…