Super Red Spotted Severum Care Guide
The Super Red Spotted Severum is a selectively bred colour form of the severum cichlid (genus Heros), a deep-bodied omnivore for warm aquaria.
Overview
The Super Red Spotted Severum is a selectively bred colour form of the severum cichlid, a deep-bodied, laterally compressed fish of the genus Heros. Severums are among the most common large cichlids in the aquarium trade, where colour-bred variants such as Super Red and Gold severums are derived from the Amazonian species Heros efasciatus.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Heros
- Scientific name: Heros sp. "Super Red Spotted"
- Origin: selectively bred from severum-group stock
Habitat
The wild ancestors of the severum group occur in the Amazon, Orinoco and Essequibo river basins of South America, in slow and flooded waters with submerged vegetation and woody structure. Colour-bred forms such as this one are produced in captivity.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 300 L
- Temperature: 25-29 °C (77-84 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.5
- GH: 3-12 °dGH
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Diet
Severums are omnivorous. The wild severum is largely frugivorous and consumes plant material. In the aquarium a varied diet of prepared cichlid foods supplemented with vegetable matter and occasional live or frozen foods is appropriate.
Compatibility
Severums are comparatively peaceful for their size and swim mainly in mid-water, becoming territorial mainly when breeding. They suit communities of similarly sized, non-aggressive South American fish and are not reliably plant-safe.
Breeding
Severums of the efasciatus type are substrate spawners. Eggs are deposited on a firm surface and guarded by both parents, with continued care of the larvae after hatching.