Heros appendiculatus Care Guide
Heros appendiculatus is a South American cichlid of the severum group. It is a large, deep-bodied omnivore kept in soft, warm water.
Overview
Heros appendiculatus is a cichlid of the severum group within the genus Heros, native to the Amazon basin of South America. The genus belongs to the tribe Heroini and was formerly placed in Cichlasoma before that genus was restricted. Severum-group fish are deep-bodied, laterally compressed cichlids commonly seen in the aquarium trade.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Heros
- Scientific name: Heros appendiculatus
- Note: some authorities have treated this name as a synonym of Heros efasciatus; the genus Heros currently contains several recognised species (FishBase, Wikipedia).
Habitat
Members of the genus Heros occur in the Amazon, Orinoco and Essequibo river basins. Severum-group cichlids inhabit slow-moving and flooded waters with submerged vegetation and structure such as roots and branches.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 300 L
- Temperature: 25-29 °C (77-84 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.0
- GH: 2-8 °dGH
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Diet
Severum-group cichlids are omnivorous. Related species in the genus feed on plant material and fruit in the wild and have a relatively low trophic level. In the aquarium a varied diet of prepared cichlid foods supplemented with vegetable matter and occasional live or frozen foods is appropriate.
Compatibility
This is a comparatively calm cichlid that swims mainly in the middle of the water column. Like other large severums it can become territorial when breeding. It is best kept with similarly sized, non-aggressive South American fish and is not reliably plant-safe.
Breeding
Heros appendiculatus is a substrate spawner. In the closely related Heros severus eggs are deposited on stones or roots and guarded by both parents, with the larvae later tended by the adults; parental care can last several weeks.