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Severum Cichlid

Heros severus

Severum Cichlid

Heros severus
Other Common Names
Banded cichlid, poor man’s discus, rainbow banded cichlid, striped cichlid
At the Aquarium
Amazon Basin
Other Common Names
Banded cichlid, poor man’s discus, rainbow banded cichlid, striped cichlid

At the Aquarium

Amazon Basin

Appearance

Severum cichlids usually grow up to around 5 – 8 inches (13 – 20cm). Severum cichlids are small but vibrant river fish. Depending on the type, they range from a brilliant blue or green, to having vibrant reds along their stomach or shoulders, to being fully bright gold.

Habitat

Rivers

Diet

Small invertebrates and aquatic plants

Life History

As mouthbrooders, once the eggs hatch the mother fish will keep the freshly hatched larvae in her mouth for up to 6 weeks. On average they live up to 5 years, but can live up to 10 in captivity.

IUCN Status

Least Concern

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

They are very common in the Aquarium trade.
Range
Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana
On the Oregon Coast
This animal is not found on the Oregon Coast. It can be found at the Oregon Coast Aquarium as part of our temporary exhibit Amazon Basin: Adventure for the Senses.
Fun Facts
There are many different types of ‘severum chiclids’. Typically the term is used to describe many of the fish within the genus, and as Heros efasciatus, Heros liberifer, Heros notatus, Heros severus, and Heros spurius are all referred to as severum cichlid.

Citations & Other Resources

  • IUCN RedList
  • Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). “Heros severus”. FishBase. June 2018 version.
  • “Banded Cichlid (Heros severus) – Species Profile”. USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database. Retrieved 2025-08-28.
  • Fish Laboratory. (2021, November 6). Severum Cichlid: Care, Size, Tank Mates, Food & Varieties – Fish Laboratory. Fish Laboratory. https://www.fishlaboratory.com/fish/severum-cichlid/
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Since opening in 1992, the Oregon Coast Aquarium has been a premier attraction on Oregon’s central coast and an enduring advocate for the health of our ocean. For over three decades this 501(c)3 non-profit organization has supported marine wildlife and fostered environmental stewardship through its education programs, community partnerships, and rehabilitation efforts. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the U.S., providing visitors with opportunities to connect with 15,000 animals spanning 300 different species. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is located at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd., Newport, OR. Learn more about the Oregon Coast Aquarium and its vital work at aquarium.org, 541-867-3474. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the latest updates.

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