HEROS CF. EFASCIATUS

Heros cf. efasciatus Care Guide

The Heros cf. efasciatus, often referred to as the “Severum Cichlid,” is a peaceful, mid-sized cichlid popular for its vibrant colors, ease of care, and adaptable nature. Found in the slow-moving rivers and floodplains of South America, this species is often considered a good choice for intermediate aquarists due to its manageable size and temperament.

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size:
  • A minimum of 75 gallons for a single adult.
  • For groups or breeding pairs, 100 gallons or larger is recommended.
• Tank Setup:
  • Include driftwood, smooth rocks, and hardy plants.
  • Sandy or fine gravel substrate is ideal.
  • Provide hiding spots using caves or dense vegetation.
• Lighting: Moderate; subdued lighting is appreciated to replicate natural conditions.
• Water Flow: Gentle to moderate flow is preferred.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 75–84°F (24–29°C)
• pH: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (3–12 dGH)
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm; nitrates below 20 ppm.
• Water Changes: Weekly changes of 20–30% to maintain high water quality.

Diet

Heros cf. efasciatus is omnivorous and benefits from a varied diet:

• Staple Foods:
  • High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes.
• Live/Frozen Foods:
  • Bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and blackworms.
• Vegetable Matter:
  • Offer blanched zucchini, spinach, peas, or spirulina-based foods regularly.
• Feeding Schedule: Feed 2–3 times daily in moderate portions.

Behavior and Compatibility

• Temperament:
  • Generally peaceful, though they may display mild aggression during breeding or territorial disputes.
  • Suitable for community tanks if housed with compatible species.
• Tankmates:
  • Ideal companions include large, peaceful species such as silver dollars, larger tetras, Corydoras, or other South American cichlids (e.g., Geophagus or angelfish).
  • Avoid housing with overly aggressive fish or very small species that could be mistaken for food.
• Social Structure:
  • Can be kept singly, in pairs, or in groups. In groups, provide ample space to minimize territorial disputes.

Breeding

Breeding Heros cf. efasciatus is relatively straightforward:

1. Pair Formation: Allow a group to grow together and form natural pairs.
2. Breeding Tank:
   • Use a separate tank of at least 50 gallons with soft, acidic water (pH 6.0–6.5) and a temperature of 80–84°F.
   • Provide flat surfaces, like rocks or broad leaves, for egg-laying.
3. Spawning Behavior:
   • The female lays eggs, which both parents guard diligently.
   • Eggs hatch within 2–3 days, and fry become free-swimming in about a week.
4. Fry Care:
   • Feed fry with infusoria or finely crushed flake food, transitioning to baby brine shrimp as they grow.

Common Challenges

1. Territorial Behavior: While generally peaceful, they can become territorial during breeding or in overcrowded tanks.
2. Plant Safety: They may nibble on delicate plants; use hardy species like Anubias or Java fern.
3. Water Quality Sensitivity: Regular maintenance is essential to prevent stress and illness.
4. Overfeeding: They are prone to overeating, so monitor feeding closely to prevent obesity or water quality issues.

Interesting Facts

• The “Severum” name comes from their resemblance to discus in terms of shape and behavior but with far less demanding care requirements.
• Wild specimens exhibit more muted coloration, while selectively bred varieties like Gold, Red Spot, or Turquoise Severums have vibrant hues.
• They exhibit strong parental care, often guarding their eggs and fry for several weeks.

Care Summary

Aspect	Details
Tank Size	Minimum 75 gallons
Water Parameters	pH 6.0–7.5, 75–84°F, soft to moderately hard
Diet	Omnivorous: pellets, live/frozen foods, vegetables
Temperament	Peaceful with mild territorial tendencies
Lifespan	8–10 years

The Heros cf. efasciatus is a versatile and attractive cichlid that thrives in well-maintained aquariums. Its combination of beauty, hardiness, and engaging behavior makes it a rewarding choice for aquarists seeking a standout South American species.