Description
🐠 Severum Red Spot Cichlid
📌 Basic Info
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Scientific Name: Heros severus (Red Spot Variant)
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Family: Cichlidae
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Origin: South America (Amazon River Basin, aquarium-bred strain)
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Size: 7 – 10 inches (18 – 25 cm)
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Lifespan: 8 – 10 years
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Tank Zone: Mid to Bottom
🌊 Water Parameters
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TDS: 100 – 200 ppm
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pH: 6.0 – 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
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Temperature: 25 – 28°C (77 – 82°F)
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Hardness: 3 – 10 dGH
🐟 Characteristics
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Striking golden to yellow body with bright red-orange spots all over the body and fins.
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Known as one of the most colorful Severum varieties.
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Peaceful temperament compared to other cichlids.
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Often called the “Poor Man’s Discus” for its round shape and elegance.
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Intelligent and interactive with keepers.
🍽️ Food
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Type: Omnivorous
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Diet: Quality cichlid pellets, bloodworms, brine shrimp, spirulina flakes, and blanched vegetables (spinach, peas, zucchini).
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Feeding: Twice daily in moderate portions.
🛠️ Maintenance
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Tank Size: Minimum 55 gallons for a pair, 75+ gallons for community setups.
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Weekly Water Change: 25–30%.
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Tank setup: Fine gravel or sand, driftwood, smooth rocks, hardy plants.
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Strong filtration and steady water quality are important.
👥 Social Behavior
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Minimum Group Size: Can be kept singly, in pairs, or peaceful groups.
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Tank Mates: Angelfish, Geophagus, Silver Dollars, Gouramis, Plecos, Corydoras, larger Tetras.
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Avoid: Aggressive fish (Oscars, Flowerhorns) or tiny fish (may get eaten).
✅ Do’s
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Provide natural hiding spaces with wood, rocks, and plants.
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Keep water clean and stable.
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Feed a balanced diet to bring out vibrant red coloration.
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Choose tank mates wisely – avoid very aggressive species.
❌ Don’ts
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Don’t keep in small or overcrowded tanks.
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Don’t mix with aggressive or fin-nipping fish.
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Don’t overfeed – prone to obesity.
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Don’t let water parameters fluctuate.
⭐ Quick Tips
The Severum Red Spot Cichlid is one of the most beautiful Severum varieties.
Its bright red spots make it a centerpiece fish for community aquariums, especially South American setups.
Peaceful, hardy, and colorful – a great choice for medium to large aquariums
