The Characidium xanthopterum lives in the benthopelagic, freshwater environment.
Characidium xanthopterum is distinguished from other members of the genus in having bright yellow fins (after which the species is named, from the Greek xanthos and pteron, meaning yellow and fin respectively) and the absence of dark bars on the body in individuals More
Characidium xanthopterum is described from tributaries of the upper rio Paran More