Red-Spotted Severum Care Guide
Red-Spotted Severum is a colour form of Heros efasciatus, an Amazonian cichlid notable for being a regular fruit-eater.
Overview
The Red-Spotted Severum is a colour form of Heros efasciatus, a deep-bodied cichlid from the Amazon basin. Heros efasciatus is more common in the aquarium trade than the true Heros severus and is available in both a gold form and the wild-type olive-green form. It is one of the few cichlids that act as regular frugivores.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Heros
- Scientific name: Heros efasciatus
Habitat
Heros efasciatus is native to the Amazon basin, with records from Brazil and Peru. It inhabits tropical freshwater, including riparian zones that flood seasonally, where it exploits fruit during the wet season.
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: 18-25 cm
Diet
Heros efasciatus is notably frugivorous, consuming fruit regularly, especially during seasonal flooding. As an omnivore it also takes other plant and animal matter. In captivity it accepts quality prepared foods supplemented with vegetable matter.
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 boisterous aggressive cichlids should be avoided.