The Australoheros barbosae lives in the benthopelagic, freshwater environment.
Australoheros barbosae is distinguished from congeners by a combination of: 9–10 anal-fin rays, 12 caudal vertebrae, lacking markings on the sides of the head, 16 dorsal-fin spines, 10–11 dorsal-fin rays, 14–15 pectoral-fin rays, 11 pairs of ribs, lacking a depression on More