Red Spotted Severums

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Heros severus
• Common Name: Red Spotted Severum
• Adult Size: 8–10 inches (20–25 cm)
• Life Expectancy: 10–15 years with proper care
• Habitat:
  • Native to the Amazon River Basin in South America
  • Found in slow-moving rivers, streams, and floodplain lakes

  • Prefers areas with submerged wood, vegetation, and leaf litter

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons (208 liters) for a single adult
  75+ gallons for a pair or community setup
• Ideal Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• pH Range: 6.0–7.5
• Water Hardness: 4–15 dGH

• Temperament: Generally peaceful, but can be territorial when breeding
  Best with non-aggressive tankmates of similar size
  Avoid small fish that can be seen as prey

Diet & Nutrition

• Omnivorous with a preference for plant matter
• Feed a variety of:
  • High-quality cichlid pellets
  • Vegetables: peas, spinach, zucchini
  • Frozen/live food: brine shrimp, bloodworms, krill

• Occasional treats of fruits and aquatic plants

Breeding & Spawning

• Monogamous pairs, often form long-term bonds
• Substrate spawners; lay eggs on flat rocks or driftwood
• Both parents guard and fan the eggs
• Eggs hatch in 2–3 days, fry become free-swimming in 5–7 days

• Provide separate breeding tank for optimal success

Appearance

• Rounded, laterally compressed body
• Bright golden or green body with red to orange spots over the sides and fins
• Red eyes are typical in mature specimens

• Color intensity improves with age, diet, and breeding readiness

Distinctive Features

• Known for their striking red spotting and personality
• Display intelligent behavior and often recognize their keepers
• Can be a centerpiece fish in large aquariums

• Often described as gentle giants among cichlids