Banded Cichlid Care Guide - Aquarium Setup, Diet & Breeding

The Banded Cichlid is a deep-bodied South American cichlid with a laterally compressed shape and a bold pattern of darker vertical bars across a greenish, golden-brown or olive body. The intensity of the markings varies with mood, age and social status, and mature fish may develop attractive red or orange tones around the face, fins and belly. Its long dorsal and anal fins give the species an elegant profile.

The Banded Cichlid, Heros severus, is native to northern South America, occurring in parts of the Amazon and Orinoco drainage systems, including Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela. It inhabits slow-moving rivers, tributaries, flooded forest and quieter backwaters with abundant cover.

Allow at least 250 litres for a single adult or established pair, with a tank measuring around 120 cm long by 45 cm wide or larger; a larger aquarium is preferable for a pair or community. Use smooth sand or fine rounded gravel, sturdy driftwood, rocks and broad-leaved plants to create shelter and visual boundaries. Plants should be firmly rooted or protected because these cichlids may rearrange the substrate. Leave open swimming space and use a secure cover, as large cichlids can jump.

Banded Cichlids can reach about 20 cm (8 in) in total length. Males are often slightly larger and more heavily finned than females.

Banded Cichlids are omnivores with a strong preference for plant matter. Offer a varied diet of quality cichlid pellets or flakes, spirulina-based foods, blanched vegetables such as courgette and spinach, and occasional meaty foods including earthworms, daphnia, brine shrimp or mysis. Frozen and live foods can be useful supplements, but rich meaty foods should not make up the entire diet.

Banded Cichlids are generally peaceful for their size, although they become territorial when paired or breeding. Suitable tankmates include similarly sized peaceful South American cichlids, larger tetras, peaceful barbs, medium-sized peaceful catfish and robust plecos. Avoid very small fish, long-finned species that may be harassed, highly aggressive cichlids and other strongly territorial fish. Bottom-dwelling tankmates should be given plenty of space and hiding places.

Banded Cichlids are substrate-spawning cichlids that form pairs and lay their eggs on a clean, firm surface such as a flat stone, piece of slate or broad leaf. Condition the pair with nutritious foods and provide clean, warm, slightly acidic to neutral water. The female deposits rows of eggs while the male fertilises them, and both parents usually guard and fan the clutch. The eggs commonly hatch within two to three days, with the fry becoming free-swimming several days later; newly free-swimming young can be raised on baby brine shrimp or another suitably fine fry food.

Sexing young Banded Cichlids is difficult. Mature males are usually larger and may develop longer, more pointed dorsal and anal fins with stronger facial markings, while females are often slightly smaller with shorter, rounder fins; these differences are not completely reliable.