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How to catch Severum

Heros severus Heckel, 1840

About Severum fishing

The banded cichlid belongs to the family Cichlidae and features a short and deep compressed body shape with a partially formed seventh vertical band. Native to tropical freshwater blackwaters of the upper Orinoco and upper Rio Negro basins in South America, this benthopelagic species inhabits slow-moving streams, flooded areas, and marginal vegetation. It feeds primarily on aquatic plants, seeds, fruits, and small benthic invertebrates. Individuals typically grow to around thirteen centimetres while reaching a maximum length of twenty centimetres. Although widely known as an aquarium resident, it is rarely targeted by specialized fisheries.

  • Difficulty

    Medium

  • Average size

    13.5 cm TL

  • Habitat

    Freshwater, Brackish

  • Also known as

    Banded cichlid, Convict fish, Deacon, Sedate cichlid, Striped cichlid

Severum

Vertical body bars

Dark vertical bands along the flank characterize this species.

Worm-like head markings

Blue and red vermiculations mark the cheek and operculum.

Caudal peduncle spot

A dark spot near the tail base helps identify the species.

Severum fishing facts

Characteristics

  • Typical size

    13.5 cm TL (max 20 cm SL )

  • Typical weight

    0.2 kg (max 0.3 kg )

  • Longevity

    10 years

  • Body shape

    Short And / Or Deep

  • Vulnerability score

    27.2

Best hours

  • Dawn

    First light

    Low

  • Morning

    After sunrise

    Peak

  • Midday

    High sun

    Low

  • Afternoon

    Late day

    Active

  • Dusk

    Last light

    Low

  • Night

    After dark

    Low

How to catch Severum

Tips for catching Severum

Target this tropical cichlid around slow-moving river margins, flooded forests, and blackwater tributaries where dense submerged vegetation and sunken timber provide cover. Because they feed heavily on benthic matter, algae, and small aquatic invertebrates, presentation should focus on slow-sinking natural offerings or lightweight soft plastics drifted near the bottom. Early morning hours and shaded bank structures yield the most consistent activity as fish move out from deeper snags to forage in shallow areas. Maintain a stealthy approach with fine terminal tackle since these banded cichlids are easily spooked by heavy lines and sudden splashes in clear water environments.

Other names for Severum

Local and alternate names anglers use for Severum.

  • Striped cichlid
  • Severum
  • Sedate cichlid
  • Deacon
  • Convict fish
  • Banded cichlid

Best equipment to catch Severum

Compare fishing methods for Severum — sized kit for each technique.

Note: Typical fish is 0.2 kg Our algorithm will suggest the best equipment for you based on this weight.

Best lures and baits for Severum

Ranked lures and natural baits from every method, best first.

Where Severum spends the year — Non-migratory

Stays in the same waters year-round. Look for it on the same grounds rather than timing a run.

Where Severum spends the year — Non-migratory 1. Eggs: Laid on the home grounds. 2. Juveniles: Grow up close by. 3. Adults: Keep to a small home range. 4. Spawners: Spawn on the same grounds, with only short moves.
Same water all year

1 Eggs

Same water all year

Laid on the home grounds.

2 Juveniles

Same water all year

Grow up close by.

3 Adults

Same water all year

Keep to a small home range.

4 Spawners

Same water all year

Spawn on the same grounds, with only short moves.

Hover or tap a number to read each stage.

Diet and behavior of Severum

  • Diet

    Carnivore

  • Feeds by

    Mixed feeder

  • Hunts

    Morning

  • Feeds over

    Intertidal

  • Main prey

    Plants · Detritus

Prey and predators of Severum

Prey is what Severum eats. Predators are the animals that eat it.

That is how it feeds, and how it is hunted.

Prey

What it eats

Where Severum lives

Lives near the bottom but swims in the water just above it. Cover the lower column, not only the mud.

Habitats
Freshwater, Brackish
Depth zone
Depth not recorded
Water column
Benthopelagic
Just above the bed

Where this species lives