Heros efasciatus var. rotkeil- Heros efasciatus distribution
Family: Cichlidae;
Genus: Heros;
Species and synonyms: Green Severum (Heros efasciatus, Green Severum, Banded Cichlid, Gold Severum Cichlid, Acará-preto).
GBIF:
Green Severum (lat. Heros efasciatus) is a species of ray-finned fish from the order Cichliformes, family Cichlidae, genus Heros. One of the most popular and peaceful South American cichlids in the aquarium hobby.
Distribution. The natural range of the Green Severum covers rivers and lakes of South America, mainly in the Amazon and Orinoco basins in Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru and other countries. The fish prefer slow-moving or stagnant waters with sandy or muddy bottoms, often found in rivers, lakes, floodplain water bodies and canals with dense vegetation. It has been recorded as an introduced species in some countries.
Care requirements. The Green Severum is a large cichlid that grows up to 15–20 cm in the aquarium and up to 25 cm in the wild. To keep a pair or a group, an aquarium of at least 200 liters with a length of 120 cm is recommended. Optimal water parameters: temperature 24–28°C, hardness 5–15 dGH, pH 6.0–7.5. Powerful filtration with moderate flow, good aeration and weekly water changes of 20–25% are necessary. Sandy or fine gravel substrate, large stones, driftwood and shelters are placed at the bottom. Plants are planted in the substrate or used in pots.
Green Severums are omnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates, fish, algae and vegetation in the wild. In the aquarium, their diet should consist of high-quality pellets for cichlids, live and frozen foods (bloodworms, shrimp, mussels, fish), as well as plant components (spirulina, blanched vegetables). It is important to vary the diet. Feed should be 1–2 times a day in small portions.
In the aquarium, Green Severums are active in the middle and lower water layers. They are peaceful compared to other cichlids, but may show aggression towards conspecifics and small fish during spawning. Recommended tankmates include other peaceful cichlids, large characins, catfish, livebearers. It is not recommended to keep them with slow-moving fish and with fish of smaller size.
Breeding in home aquariums is possible under proper conditions. Green Severums are substrate spawners, laying eggs on flat stones, driftwood or in pre-dug pits. They reach sexual maturity at 10–12 months. To stimulate spawning, water changes with fresh water and a temperature increase of 1–2°C are recommended. The male and female form a stable pair and jointly care for the offspring. Eggs incubate for 3–5 days, fry are fed Artemia nauplii, microworms and fine dry food.
The Green Severum gets its name from its characteristic coloration: the body is greenish-grey or olive with a blue sheen and numerous dark spots forming a reticulated pattern. Males have brighter coloration and a pointed dorsal fin, females have a more rounded body. Selective forms include "Gold Severum" and "Red Severum". It is one of the most popular and undemanding cichlids, suitable for intermediate aquarists. Life expectancy is 10–15 years.