SEVERUM RED SPOTTED (Heros appendiculatus / Heros efasciatus) – For Sale in Canada

The Red Spotted Severum is an attractive South American cichlid admired for its elegant body shape, developing red-orange spotting, metallic coloration, and engaging personality. As this fish matures, its colors and body proportions can become increasingly impressive, making it an excellent choice for a spacious freshwater cichlid aquarium.

At Monster Aquarium Canada, the Red Spotted Severum is a great option for aquarists searching for an unusual and colorful Severum variety for a Canadian aquarium.

Red Spotted Severum Species Overview

Scientific Name

Heros appendiculatus / Heros efasciatus

The Heros group has a complicated taxonomic history, and aquarium-trade names can vary between populations and color forms.

Common Names

• Red Spotted Severum
• Red-Spotted Severum
• Red Spot Severum
• Red Spotted Hero Cichlid
• Severum Cichlid

Natural Origin

Severums are South American cichlids associated with the Amazon Basin and surrounding freshwater systems.

Their natural habitats can include slow-moving waters, flooded forest areas, vegetation, driftwood, and soft substrates.

Red Spotted Severum Appearance

Distinctive Red Spotting

The primary attraction of this Severum variety is its red to orange spotting, which can become more prominent as the fish matures.

Depending on the individual, coloration may include:

• Metallic green or olive tones
• Golden highlights
• Red-orange spots
• Darker facial markings
• Deep oval-shaped body
• Long dorsal and anal fins
• Attractive metallic scales

Color intensity and spotting patterns can vary between individual fish.

Aquarium Setup

Recommended Tank Size

A 75-gallon aquarium or larger is recommended as a practical long-term starting point for a single adult.

For a pair or a community containing several large fish, a 100-gallon or larger aquarium is preferable.

The aquarium should provide both open swimming space and sheltered areas.

Substrate

Fine sand or smooth gravel is suitable.

Avoid extremely sharp substrate, particularly in aquariums where the fish frequently forages along the bottom.

Decorations

Create a natural South American environment using:

• Driftwood
• Smooth rocks
• Caves
• Hardy aquarium plants
• Floating plants
• Leaf litter
• Open swimming areas

Arrange decorations to create visual barriers and potential territories.

Water Parameters

Maintain stable, clean freshwater:

• Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)
• pH: approximately 6.0–7.5
• Ammonia: 0 ppm
• Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: Keep low through regular water changes
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

Avoid sudden changes in temperature or water chemistry.

Feeding Red Spotted Severum

Red Spotted Severums are omnivorous and benefit from a varied diet.

Recommended Foods

Offer a combination of:

• High-quality cichlid pellets
• Sinking pellets
• Floating pellets
• Quality flakes
• Spirulina-based foods
• Vegetable-based foods
• Frozen brine shrimp
• Frozen bloodworms
• Mysis shrimp

A varied diet is preferable to relying on a single food.

Supporting Coloration

Good nutrition and excellent water quality can help the fish develop its natural coloration as it matures.

Avoid excessive feeding because uneaten food can rapidly degrade aquarium water quality.

Behavior and Temperament

The Red Spotted Severum is generally peaceful to moderately territorial for a larger cichlid.

They are often less aggressive than many Central American cichlids, although individual temperament can vary.

Territorial behavior may become stronger during:

• Pair formation
• Spawning
• Territory establishment
• Competition for food
• Inadequate aquarium space

Providing sufficient room is essential for long-term compatibility.

Tank Mates

Choose tank mates based on the Severum’s eventual adult size and temperament.

Potential companions include:

• Other Severums
• Geophagus
• Angelfish
• Larger peaceful South American cichlids
• Larger tetras
• Plecos
• Peaceful catfish
• Compatible knifefish

Avoid extremely aggressive fish and very small fish that could potentially become prey.

Red Spotted Severum and Live Plants

Severums can interact heavily with aquarium plants.

They may:

• Nibble leaves
• Uproot plants
• Dig around roots
• Rearrange substrate

Hardy plants attached to rocks or driftwood can be easier to maintain.

Floating plants can also provide shade and natural cover.

Growth and Color Development

One of the most appealing aspects of the Red Spotted Severum is watching its appearance change with age.

Juvenile Development

Young specimens can have relatively subtle coloration. Their body gradually becomes deeper and their spotting can become more pronounced.

Mature Appearance

A mature specimen may develop:

• Stronger red-orange spotting
• Richer metallic coloration
• Deeper body proportions
• More developed fins
• Stronger facial markings

Genetics have a significant influence on final coloration and appearance.

Filtration and Aquarium Maintenance

Severums are substantial fish and produce considerable waste as they grow.

Recommended Filtration

Consider:

• Large canister filtration
• Sump filtration
• Strong biological filtration
• Efficient mechanical filtration
• Good oxygenation
• Adequate water circulation

Regular partial water changes should be part of the normal maintenance routine.

Keep nitrate levels controlled and remove uneaten food promptly.

Breeding Red Spotted Severums

Mature Severums can form pairs and reproduce under suitable aquarium conditions.

A pair may select and clean a hard spawning surface such as:

• Flat rock
• Driftwood
• Aquarium decoration
• Smooth hard surface

During breeding, territorial behavior can increase significantly.

A large aquarium with visual barriers is particularly useful when keeping a breeding pair with other fish.

Why Choose a Red Spotted Severum?

Beautiful Red-Orange Markings

The developing spotting provides a distinctive appearance compared with standard Severum varieties.

Excellent Centerpiece Fish

Its size, body shape, and coloration make it an impressive focal point for a large aquarium.

Engaging Personality

Severums are active and intelligent fish that can become highly responsive to their keeper.

Relatively Peaceful Large Cichlid

When appropriately housed, Severums can work well in larger South American community aquariums.

Excellent for Cichlid Keepers

This variety is particularly appealing to aquarists who enjoy watching a young fish develop into a mature specimen.

Buy Red Spotted Severum in Canada

Looking to buy Red Spotted Severum (Heros appendiculatus / Heros efasciatus) in Canada?

Monster Aquarium Canada specializes in specialty freshwater fish for Canadian aquarium enthusiasts looking for unusual cichlids and distinctive freshwater livestock.

Before purchasing, make sure your aquarium is large enough for the fish’s adult requirements and that your selected tank mates are compatible.

Canada-only sales: livestock availability, quantities, and sizes can change. Check the current Monster Aquarium Canada listing for the latest availability before ordering.

Red Spotted Severum FAQs

1. What is the scientific name of the Red Spotted Severum?

This fish is listed as Heros appendiculatus / Heros efasciatus. Taxonomy within the Heros group is complex, and trade names can vary.

2. How large can a Red Spotted Severum become?

Severums can reach approximately 8 inches or more, depending on genetics, sex, diet, aquarium conditions, and overall care.

3. Are Red Spotted Severums aggressive?

They are generally peaceful to moderately territorial, but aggression can increase during spawning or when aquarium space is inadequate.

4. What do Red Spotted Severums eat?

They benefit from quality cichlid pellets, vegetable-based foods, spirulina, and suitable frozen foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and bloodworms.

5. Can Red Spotted Severums live with other fish?

Yes. Appropriately sized, compatible South American fish can make suitable tank mates when the aquarium provides adequate space.