Species profile

Severum Cichlid

Heros severus

Common names: Severum Cichlid, True Severum, Banded Cichlid

Recognized speciesCichlids

Adult size

Up to 22 cm

Typical adult length 16–22 cm.

Up to 22 cm

Countries of origin

Good fit for your tank?

Good fit for

Mature planted aquarium setups
Advanced shrimp keepers

Think carefully if

The aquarium contains shrimp-eating fish
The tank is newly cycled
Water conditions change frequently

The true Heros severus, a soft-water Orinoco and upper Rio Negro cichlid whose parents take larvae into the mouth.

Appearance and Identification

A deep oval cichlid with vertical bars, subdued green-brown colour, red or orange accents, and a dark mark near the tail.

True H. severus is uncommon in the trade and is often confused with H. efasciatus. Locality and larvophilic mouthbrooding behaviour are important.

Males may be larger and longer-finned, but the sexes remain similar outside breeding.

Tank Requirements

Suggested filter: About 700–1,050 litres an hour
Suggested heater: About 350–525 W for this tank
Minimum tank volume: 350 litres
Minimum tank length: 150 cm
Minimum group size: 2
Recommended group size: 5
Activity level: Moderate
Flow preference: Low
Planting preference: Moderately planted
Hiding places: Yes
Lid recommended: Yes
Jumping risk: Low

Provide a large mature aquarium with wood, roots, open swimming room, protected plants, gentle flow, and soft-water conditions.

Behaviour and Tankmates

Generally peaceful for its size, becoming territorial around spawning and mouthbrooding periods.

Can be kept as a pair or group in a large structured aquarium.

Pairs defend the spawning site, then protect larvae and fry while using the mouth for transport and shelter.

Use robust peaceful warm soft-water companions. Avoid tiny fish, shrimp, aggressive cichlids, and delicate plants.

Check tankmates for this species

Water Parameters

Temperature: 23–29 °C
pH: 5–6.8
GH: 0–6
KH: 0–3
TDS: 20–120
Stability importance: Critical

Soft acidic water reflects its natural range and is preferred for breeding. Stable low-mineral conditions are important.

Parameter caveat

Verify identity before assigning true-severus breeding care. Most shop severums are not H. severus.

Feeding

Diet types: Herbivore, Omnivore
Feeding frequency: Daily
Preferred foods: Quality sinking cichlid pelletUse a staple pellet appropriate to the fish size and mouth shape.
Chopped shrimp, mussel, or earthwormOffer clean unseasoned portions as rotating protein foods.
Blanched leafy greens or peasUseful for omnivorous and plant-eating species; remove leftovers promptly.
Frozen krill or mysisFeed in moderation to add variety and support colour.

An omnivore taking plant material, fruits, seeds, invertebrates, and prepared foods.

Provide substantial vegetable matter and avoid excessive rich animal protein.

Breeding

Breeding type: Egg Layer, Mouthbrooder, Substrate Spawner
Breeding difficulty: Difficult
Breeding temperature: 27 °C
Breeding pH: 5.8
Brood or egg count: Up to about 200 eggs.
Incubation: 3 days
Parental care: Biparental care
Baby foods: Newly hatched brine shrimpSuitable after yolk absorption for most cichlid fry.
Crushed high-quality cichlid pelletIntroduce gradually as fry grow.
Finely chopped frozen cyclopsUseful supplementary food for larger fry.

A biparental larvophilic mouthbrooder. Eggs are laid on stones or roots and defended; after hatching, larvae are taken into the parents’ mouths.

Habitat and Origin

Geographic origin: Amazon Basin, Brazil, Colombia, South America, Venezuela
Natural habitat: Blackwater, Floodplain, Freshwater River
Aquarium contexts: Breeding Aquarium, Freshwater Aquarium, Large Freshwater Aquarium
Audience level: Advanced

Classification

Profile type: Recognized species
Genus: Heros
Family: Cichlidae
Species group: Cichlids, Fish, South American Cichlids

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