Spotted Severum

Care at a glance

Overview

The spotted severum is a tall, deep-bodied cichlid that is mostly peaceful and calm for its size, and it can be kept as a pair or in a group with other gentle, medium to large fish. It becomes more territorial when a pair forms and spawns, but outside of breeding it is generally easygoing and even a little shy. Give it a roomy tank with tall structure, since its height and slow, deliberate movement suit a deep aquarium. Good tankmates include other peaceful cichlids of similar size, large tetras and peaceful catfish. It is largely herbivorous, so feed a vegetable-rich diet of quality pellets, blanched greens and some frozen foods. Plan for a tank of at least 220 liters, with more space for a group of adults to spread out.

In the wild

The spotted severum comes from the Rio Negro and other blackwater rivers of northern Brazil, where it lives among submerged branches, roots and leaf litter in warm, soft, acidic water. To recreate this, use soft water with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 and a temperature of 22 to 29 C, stained with tannins from leaf litter and driftwood. A scape of tall plants, tangled wood and a shaded, tea-colored look suits it and encourages natural behavior. Because it can nibble soft plants, choose tougher species or floating cover, and keep the lighting subdued to mimic its dim forest waters.

Good to know

Heros notatus is a member of the cichlid family, Cichlidae, and grows to around 30 cm, with a tall, disc-shaped body typical of the severums. It takes its name from the rows of small dark spots that mark the flanks, which help separate it from the more common green and gold severums. It is a substrate spawner that lays its eggs on a cleaned rock or wood surface, with both parents guarding the eggs and fry. Soft, acidic water generally suits the development of the eggs, in keeping with the blackwater rivers it comes from.

Did you know

The spotted severum is named for the pattern of dark spots and broken bars scattered across its flanks. Young fish and adults show different amounts of spotting, and the pattern helps tell this blackwater species from the more familiar severums in the trade.

Related species

• 

  Severum

  Heros efasciatus

  11.8 in (30 cm)65 gal (245 L)72–84°F (22–29°C)

• 

  True severum

  Heros severus

  7.9 in (20 cm)75 gal (285 L)79–86°F (26–30°C)
• Tailbar cichlid

  Vieja hartwegi

  11 in (28 cm)92 gal (350 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)

• 

  True parrot cichlid

  Hoplarchus psittacus

  13.8 in (35 cm)151 gal (570 L)79–86°F (26–30°C)

• 

  Pinstripe damba cichlid

  Paretroplus menarambo

  9.8 in (25 cm)95 gal (360 L)79–84°F (26–29°C)

• 

  Pantano cichlid

  Cincelichthys pearsei

  11.8 in (30 cm)119 gal (450 L)77–86°F (25–30°C)