Often sold as the Spotted Severum, this large South American cichlid is prized for its disc-like shape and the striking spots and bands along its lower half. They are native to the blackwater Rio Negro basin. While generally considered 'gentle giants' in the cichlid world, they are opportunistic predators that will eat any fish small enough to fit in their mouths. They are also notorious for devouring live aquarium plants.
Banded Cichlid At a Glance
Banded Cichlid Tank Requirements
Will Banded Cichlid fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Banded Cichlid needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Banded Cichlid against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Banded Cichlid Water Parameters
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Banded Cichlid Temperament & Compatibility
Banded Cichlid Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male (Standard)
Adult males grow slightly larger, develop longer extensions on their dorsal and anal fins, and feature prominent reddish facial markings (vermiculation) on their gill plates. They can become highly territorial when breeding.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Adult Male, Show Male
Female
Females are generally slightly smaller and plumper, with much less spotting on the face and gill plates compared to males. They are typically more peaceful and make excellent community cichlids.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Adult Female
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Severums are often sold in the hobby as small 2-inch juveniles. Because they will grow rapidly into massive, heavy-bodied fish, they require immediate planning for a large adult enclosure. Peaceful at this stage.
Differs in 6 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby Severum, Small Spotted Severum
Banded Cichlid Care Guide Summary
The Banded Cichlid, scientifically known as Heros notatus, belongs to the Cichlids - South American family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 25 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Banded Cichlid requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 250 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 23°C and 29°C, with a pH range of 6–7.2 and a general hardness of 1–10 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Banded Cichlid is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 3 varieties: Male (Standard), Female, and Juvenile (Grow-out). Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Banded Cichlid Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Banded Cichlid, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour and driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured and live planted layouts may be difficult to maintain, as this species tends to uproot or consume vegetation.
Banded Cichlid Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Banded Cichlid is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, any fish small enough to fit in its mouth will likely be eaten and territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Banded Cichlid Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Banded Cichlid.
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
180 Gallon Standard
350 Liter (120cm Deep)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Banded Cichlid
How big does Banded Cichlid get?
Banded Cichlid (Heros notatus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 25 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Banded Cichlid need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 250 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Banded Cichlid. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Banded Cichlid need?
Banded Cichlid thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 23–29°C, a pH between 6 and 7.2, and a general hardness of 1–10 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Banded Cichlid peaceful or aggressive?
Banded Cichlid is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 4 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Banded Cichlid live alone?
Yes, Banded Cichlid can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Banded Cichlid have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Banded Cichlid benefits from sand (sifters) and driftwood (digestion/hiding) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Top Tank Mates for Banded Cichlid
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Banded Cichlid based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Banded Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia trifasciata
Ideal Tank MatesBanana Loach
Acantopsis choirorhynchos
Ideal Tank MatesZebra Loach
Botia striata
Ideal Tank MatesGiant Danio
Devario aequipinnatus
Ideal Tank MatesStriped Raphael Catfish
Platydoras armatulus
Ideal Tank MatesIridescent Shark
Pangasianodon hypophthalmus
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Banded Cichlid
These plants pair well with Banded Cichlid based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Belinda's Buce
Bucephalandra belindae
Buce Motleyana
Bucephalandra motleyana
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Dwarf Buce
Bucephalandra pygmaea
Fish Similar to Banded Cichlid
Severum
Heros severus
Severums are large, deep-bodied South American cichlids often called the 'Poor Man's Discus'. They are relatively peaceful for their size compared to other large cichlids, but they are notorious plant destroyers with a highly herbivorous diet. They require spacious aquariums with excellent filtration.
Frontosa
Cyphotilapia frontosa
A majestic and iconic deep-water cichlid from Lake Tanganyika, famous for its striking black and white bands and the prominent nuchal hump on its head. Despite their massive size, they are gentle giants compared to other African cichlids. However, they are highly effective piscivores and will easily consume smaller fish. They are best kept in a 'harem' colony of one male to multiple females.
German Blue Ram
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
A strikingly colorful dwarf cichlid native to the Orinoco River basin. Famous for its vibrant blue spangles and peaceful demeanor compared to larger cichlids. They are strictly thermophilic (require high temperatures of 27-30°C / 81-86°F) and thrive in soft, acidic water. As 'earth-eaters' (Mikrogeophagus), they sift sand for food and form monogamous pairs.
Kribensis
Pelvicachromis pulcher
A vibrant and highly popular dwarf cichlid native to the slow-moving rivers of West Africa. Unlike Rift Lake African cichlids, they prefer soft, slightly acidic water and densely planted tanks. They are generally peaceful in a community tank but become fiercely territorial and aggressive when breeding, often digging pits in the substrate and claiming the bottom zone. They are cave spawners and require hiding spots like driftwood or coconut shells.
Texas Cichlid
Herichthys cyanoguttatus
The Texas Cichlid is the only cichlid species native to the United States. Known for their striking pearlescent blue/green spots and extreme territorial behavior, they require large tanks and robust filtration. They are notorious for rearranging aquariums, digging massive pits, and destroying live plants.
Bolivian Ram
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
A hardy and relatively peaceful dwarf cichlid native to the Amazon river basin. Compared to the popular German Blue Ram, the Bolivian Ram is larger, much more forgiving of water parameters, and prefers slightly cooler temperatures. They are eartheaters (geophagine) that sift through the substrate for food, making soft sand an absolute requirement to prevent gill damage.