Heros (fish)
| Heros | |
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| Heros efasciatus | |
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| Genus: | Heros Heckel, 1840
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| Type species | |
| Heros severus Heckel, 1840
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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:
- Heros efasciatus Heckel, 1840
- Heros liberifer Staeck & I. Schindler, 2015 [1]
- Heros notatus (Jardine, 1843)
- Heros severus Heckel, 1840 (Banded cichlid)
- Heros spurius Heckel, 1840
References
- ^ 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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