Heros liberifer Care Guide
Heros liberifer is a severum-group cichlid described in 2015 from the Orinoco basin. It is a deep-bodied omnivore for soft, warm aquaria.
Overview
Heros liberifer is a severum-group cichlid described in 2015 by Staeck and Schindler. Until 2014 it was confused with Heros severus, and its description helped clarify the true identity of that species. The genus Heros belongs to the family Cichlidae and is native to northern South America.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Heros
- Scientific name: Heros liberifer
- Described: Staeck & Schindler, 2015
Habitat
Heros liberifer is endemic to lentic habitats, especially flooded forests, in the upper and middle Orinoco basin in Venezuela. It is distinguished by small spots that form horizontal lines across the lower half of the body and a caudal spot in adults. The species is uncommon in the aquarium trade.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 300 L
- Temperature: 26-30 °C (79-86 °F)
- pH: 5.0-6.8
- GH: 1-6 °dGH
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Diet
Severum-group cichlids are omnivores. Related Heros species feed largely on plant material and fruit in the wild. A varied aquarium diet combining prepared cichlid foods with vegetable matter and occasional live or frozen foods is suitable.
Compatibility
This is a comparatively calm, mid-water cichlid that may become territorial during breeding. It is best housed with similarly sized, non-aggressive South American species and is not reliably plant-safe.
Breeding
Heros liberifer is a mouthbrooding cichlid, a trait shared with its close relative Heros severus, in which the developing larvae are taken into the mouth and tended by the parents.