Heros (genus)

Heros
Heros efasciatus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Cichlidae
Subfamily: Cichlinae
Genus: Heros
Heckel, 1840
Type species
Heros severus
Heckel, 1840

Heros is a genus of cichlids native to rivers in the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America. These were often previously included in the "catch-all" genus Cichlasoma.

Most commonly encountered in the aquarium trade is Heros severus, available commercially in its gold coloration as well as the wild-type green. It is unclear whether aquarium severums are actually H. severus or whether they are Heros efasciatus hybrids. Fish belonging to the genus Heros are distinguishable by their bulbous "Dell 'Abate" lips and sedentary demeanor, especially after eating.

Species

There are currently 5 recognized species in this genus:

References

  1. Staeck, W. & Schindler, I. (2015): Description of a new Heros species (Teleostei, Cichlidae) from the Rio Orinoco drainage and notes on Heros severus Heckel, 1840. Bulletin of Fish Biology, 15 (1/2): 121-136.


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