Platinum Severum (Heros efasciatus)

The Platinum Severum is an ornamental color variety of Heros efasciatus — the Banded Severum or Hero Cichlid — developed through selective breeding for uniformly white to platinum-silver body coloration. Heros efasciatus is native to the Amazon River basin across Brazil, Peru, and Colombia, inhabiting slow-moving, vegetated rivers, floodplain lakes, and forest clearings.

Severum cichlids are large, disc-shaped fish with a deep, laterally compressed body reminiscent of Discus in silhouette but more robust. Wild H. efasciatus displays vertical dark banding across a greenish-gold body; the Platinum variant replaces all this with clean white to silver coloration, making the large, intelligent eyes and body form particularly prominent.

Severums are considered among the most peaceful of the medium-to-large cichlid group. They are primarily herbivorous/omnivorous, less destructive of plants than many cichlids (though they may nibble soft vegetation), and generally compatible with a wider range of tankmates than aggressive cichlid species.

They form monogamous pair bonds and are bi-parental substrate spawners. Breeding pairs clean flat surfaces for egg deposition and provide intensive, devoted parental care for the eggs and larvae.

Platinum Severums prefer soft to moderately hard, slightly acidic to neutral water: pH 6.0–7.5, hardness 5–15 dGH, and temperatures 23–28°C. They adapt to a range of conditions but show best health and coloration in clean, well-filtered water with stable parameters.

A minimum 250-liter aquarium is required for a single adult pair, with 350+ liters for community setups. Provide large, robust plants (Amazon swords, Vallisneria, large Echinodorus), significant driftwood structure, and flat stones for spawning. They may nibble softer plants — use robust species or plastic plants.

Feed quality cichlid pellets, sticks, and varied supplements: blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini), earthworms, bloodworms, brine shrimp, and mysis. Plant-based foods are important — Severums have significant herbivorous tendencies.

Severums are generally peaceful with similarly-sized, non-aggressive fish: large tetras, corydoras, armored catfish (Plecos), other large peaceful cichlids, and large barbs. During breeding, territorial aggression intensifies significantly — ensure adequate space and tank complexity.

Regular water changes of 25–30% weekly maintain water quality for these large, messy feeders.