Mouthbrooding Severum (Heros liberifer)

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Upper Orinoco basin (Venezuela, Colombia). Inhabits clear or amber river waters, characterized by moderate current, flooded banks and dense barriers of fallen branches in which it takes shelter.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Mouthbrooding Severum (Heros liberifer). Described recently (2015), it is distinguished from other Heros by the very clear tiny black dots (freckles) aligned horizontally on the body and very thick lips.

Social Behavior: Atypical Severum, extremely placid. Cohabits peacefully in a group and spends the day "grazing" algae and biomass from woods. Shows aggression only towards conspecifics in strictly reproductive phase.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Light olive-green or golden livery with weak vertical stripes, dotted with spectacular aligned red and black "polka dots". Adult males develop bright red vermiculated facial masks; females are more sober.

Aquarium Setup: Immense tank (minimum 150 cm / 60 inches). Furnishing based on heavy intricate bogwoods and smooth rocks. Like all Heros, it is a defoliator: it will destroy plants, unless attempting with very robust ferns or anchored Anubias.

Diet and Feeding: Mainly herbivorous (Grazer). The intestine is very long and fragile. Feed with blanched peas, zucchini, spirulina-based pellets and a little krill or mysis. Avoid bloodworms or beef heart (intestinal blockage).

Water Quality: Species of very warm (28-30°C / 82-86°F) and soft water. Extremely susceptible to high nitrates: if the water quality drops, the black spots on the body fade and it gets sick with Hexamita (Hole in the Head disease).

Compatibility and Tankmates: The perfect "Dither" Cichlid for large slow predators (Geophagus, Uaru, Satanoperca). Mild with small Tetras, but its size dictates tankmates that won't accidentally end up in its large mouth.

Aquarium Reproduction: The exception of the genus! Unlike ALL other Heros (which are substrate spawners), the liberifer is a larvophile mouthbrooder. It lays on a leaf/wood and then broods the larvae in its mouth to protect them.

Risks and Diseases: Digestive issues (Bloat). An H. liberifer fed like a predator (meat) or with protein flakes rapidly develops dropsy and dies with a swollen belly.