Heros notatus Care Guide
Heros notatus is a spotted severum from the Amazon and Rio Negro basins of Brazil, reaching about 15 cm standard length.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Heros notatus is a severum cichlid distinguished by black spotting. It is a deep-bodied, laterally compressed freshwater fish of the genus Heros. According to FishBase, it reaches a maximum of about 15 cm standard length.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Heros
- Scientific name: Heros notatus
Habitat
FishBase records Heros notatus from the Amazon River basin and the Negro River basin in Brazil. It is a benthopelagic freshwater species of tropical climate.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 300 L
- Temperature: 25-29 °C (77-84 °F)
- pH: 5.0-7.0
- GH: 1-8 °dGH
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
- Adult size: up to about 15 cm SL (FishBase)
Diet
As an omnivorous member of the genus Heros, it takes a mix of plant and animal matter. In captivity it accepts quality prepared foods supplemented with vegetable matter and occasional live or frozen invertebrates.
Compatibility
Severums are relatively peaceful for their size and occupy the middle of the water column. Suitable companions are calm South American species of comparable size; very small fish and aggressive cichlids should be avoided.
Spotted Severum (Heros notatus) Breeding Guide
Overview
Heros notatus is a severum native to the Rio Negro and Essequibo basins, uncommon in the aquarium trade. It is a biparental substrate spawner. Maintenance parameters are a temperature of 22-29 °C (72-84 °F) and pH 6.0-7.0, reflecting its soft, often blackwater origins.
Conditioning
Grow on a group of young fish and let a pair form, then condition the pair before attempting to spawn. As reports of breeding in the hobby are limited, a stable, mature tank improves the odds.
Breeding Setup
- Soft water within pH 6.0-7.0
- Temperature toward the upper part of 22-29 °C
- A flat stone, plus open substrate the pair can excavate into pits
- A quiet, undisturbed location
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
The pair selects a flat stone or excavates a pit as the breeding site. The female deposits eggs, which the male then fertilises. Eggs hatch within about 2-3 days.
Egg & Fry Care
Both parents guard the eggs and fry, moving the larvae to a pit and tending them until they become free-swimming, typically 3-4 days after hatching. Newly hatched brine shrimp and powdered fry foods are suitable first foods until the fry can take larger items.
Common Challenges
These fish are easily frightened and may eat their offspring if disturbed; keeping the breeding tank in a quiet location, or removing the fry to rear separately, improves survival.