Heros severus, the Banded Cichlid or Severum, is native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins in northern South America, including Venezuela, Colombia, Guyana, and northern Brazil. It inhabits a range of habitats from soft, acidic blackwater rivers to clearer whitewater systems, and is notably adaptable compared to many Amazonian cichlids.
The Banded Cichlid is a large, laterally compressed species with a rounded disc-like body profile. Wild-type adults display seven or eight dark vertical bands over a greenish-gold body, with reddish-brown facial markings on mature males. A prominent black spot is often present on the dorsal fin base. The species shows considerable variation across its range, and several geographical colour forms exist.
Heros severus is predominantly herbivorous in the wild, feeding on plant material, algae, detritus, and small invertebrates. In the aquarium, it will graze on live plants and should be provided with regular vegetable-based food supplements. Despite this plant-eating tendency, it can be kept in planted aquariums with robust, inedible species such as large Anubias attached to rock or wood.
The Banded Cichlid is considered semi-aggressive; it holds its own against other large cichlids but is not as aggressive as species like Oscars or Jack Dempseys. It is a popular aquarium fish due to its impressive size, attractive patterning, and relative ease of care.
