Heros

The severum, Heros efasciatus, is a cichlid from the Amazon main channel and the Rio Solimoes, also recorded from the Rio Xingu. One of the most popular and readily available cichlids in the hobby, it is sold in the standard green form and in gold. Many buyers do not realise it grows fairly large, often 20 to 25 cm in aquaria, and it needs a tank of at least 120 cm. Outside spawning it is fairly mild-mannered for its size.

The spotted severum, Heros notatus, is a cichlid endemic to the Rio Negro basin in Brazil, where it inhabits blackwater rivers and tributaries. Rarely seen, it is occasionally offered by specialist cichlid or South American dealers. Not a particularly aggressive species, though males may squabble with conspecifics, it suits a larger cichlid community, and much smaller fish will almost certainly be eaten.