Bicudas are widely distributed throughout the clear and whitewater river systems of the Amazon and Orinoco basins. They are particularly abundant in areas with fast-moving water, rapids, and rocky outcrops, showing a strong preference for oxygen-rich environments. Their distribution is closely tied to water clarity and current speed, making them more common in the upper reaches of river systems where waters are clearer and faster-moving.

The Bicuda is a specialized predatory fish perfectly adapted for life in fast-moving waters. Their streamlined body shape and powerful muscles allow them to maintain position in strong currents while waiting to ambush prey. They are strictly carnivorous, feeding primarily on smaller fish and aquatic invertebrates. Unlike many Amazonian fish species that prefer slower waters, Bicudas have evolved to thrive in high-energy environments where their speed and agility give them a hunting advantage. During the high-water season, they may venture into flooded forest edges, but they generally stay close to areas with good water flow and high oxygen content.