Red Spotted Heros Severum

Appearance

The Red Spotted Heros Severum boasts an impressive size, growing up to 20-25 centimeters (8-10 inches) in length. Its distinct body shape is characterized by a sleek, oval profile with vibrant red spots that adorn its golden scales. These spots intensify in color as the fish matures, creating a breathtaking visual spectacle in any well-maintained aquarium. Males become bigger with more intense colours than females.

Region

Heros severum is native to the Amazon River basin in South America, where it inhabits slow-moving waters and densely vegetated areas. They are found in Rio Orinoco and Rio Negro, the parts of the rivers that run through Colombia and Venezuela. The serene landscapes of the Amazonian rainforest provide the backdrop for the Red Spotted Heros Severum’s natural habitat. Recreating similar conditions in your home aquarium is essential to ensure the health and well-being of this beautiful fish.

Behavior

The Red Spotted Heros Severum is renowned for its peaceful and mild-mannered behavior, making it a suitable addition to community aquariums. While they may display some territorial tendencies during breeding, these fish generally coexist harmoniously with other non-aggressive species. They are also known for their curiosity and interactive nature, often exploring their surroundings and interacting with tank decorations.

Diet

In their natural habitat, Red Spotted Heros Severum are omnivores, feeding on a varied diet of insects, small crustaceans, and plant matter. In a home aquarium, they can be offered high-quality pellets, flakes, and live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. Incorporating plant matter into their diet through blanched vegetables like spinach and zucchini ensures a well-balanced nutritional intake.

Keeping the Red Spotted Heros Severum at home

Creating an optimal environment for Red Spotted Heros Severum requires careful consideration of tank setup, water parameters, and tank mates. Here are some essential guidelines to ensure their well-being:

Tank size: Provide a spacious aquarium with a minimum capacity of 150 liters (40 gallons) for a pair of Red Spotted Heros Severum. Larger tanks accommodate multiple fish and allow for better territorial distribution.
Water parameters: Maintain a water temperature between 24-28°C (75-82°F) and a pH level around 6.0-7.5. Regular water changes of around 20% every two weeks are crucial to maintain water quality.
Aquarium setup: Mimic their natural habitat with driftwood, rocks, and live plants to provide hiding spots and territorial boundaries. A sandy substrate complements their natural behavior.
Tank mates: Red Spotted Heros Severum are generally compatible with other peaceful cichlid species, tetras, catfish, and similarly sized non-aggressive fish.
Breeding: To encourage breeding behavior, provide flat rocks or spawning sites. Be prepared to separate breeding pairs to avoid potential aggression.

The Red Spotted Heros Severum, with its stunning appearance and amiable behavior, is a captivating addition to any freshwater aquarium. By understanding their size, appearance, natural habitat, behavior, and dietary requirements, you can create a thriving and visually appealing aquatic haven for these remarkable fish. Embrace the opportunity to care for the Red Spotted Heros Severum, and you’ll be rewarded with endless moments of beauty and interaction in your own underwater sanctuary.