Severum (Banded Cichlid)

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Extended in large parts of the Orinoco and Rio Negro (Venezuela/Brazil). This is the inhabitant of the submerged forest waters, gliding slowly between impenetrable roots fleeing from Piranhas and open river predators.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Banded Severum (Heros severus). Often confused as the "base Severum", in reality the efasciatus is the most widespread. The TRUE H. severus is less frequent, with a markedly more tapered facial disc, and retains the classic "prisoner" bars.

Social Behavior: Large, fearful and phlegmatic cichlid. It does not prey proactively and shuns conflict. A tank with glaring lights terrifies it, causing it to smash against the glass ruining its fins; it needs safe "retreats" in the shadows.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Yellow-brown base (cream when healthy), marked by 8 vertical black bands that remain visible even in adulthood (unlike other Heros). In heat the male acquires lower ventral reddish tones. Female visibly lacking facial spotting (worming).

Aquarium Setup: Blackwater tanks (150+ cm / 60+ inches). Bottom in sand only (moved to sift), immense branches arranged vertically (to simulate flooded trees), decomposing oak leaves on the bottom. It is an exterminator of green plants.

Diet and Feeding: Strictly vegetarian diet. It must be able to graze: spinach, blanched peppers, spirulina pellets, plecostomus tablets and algae wafers. Integrate weekly with a little thawed mysis or brine shrimp. Reject beef heart pastes!

Water Quality: Absolutely demanding regarding "soft" and warm water. It despises high calcium/magnesium salts (GH over 12), which dull its scales, inducing a perennial lethargy until the development of the lethal HITH (Hexamita).

Compatibility and Tankmates: A perfect companion for slow-swimming and shy Amazonian fish, it is a giant Dither fish. Discus, Uaru, Mesonauta (Flag cichlid) and large Loricariids. It gets stressed to death if paired with Astronotus (Oscars) or Central American terrorists.

Aquarium Reproduction: Unlike the efasciatus, the true Heros severus is, incredibly, a larvophile mouthbrooder! They lay eggs on wood, and once hatched, the larvae are hidden in the parents' mouths for three weeks in safety.

Risks and Diseases: The fake Severus. What the shopkeeper sells you for 5 euros as a green or golden "Heros severus" is actually the cousin "efasciatus". The true severus (identifiable by the persistent stripes and mouthbrooding) is very rare and expensive.