SEVERUM RED SPOTTED (Heros appendiculatus / Heros efasciatus) 3.5″ – For Sale in Canada

The Red Spotted Severum is a beautiful South American cichlid prized for its elegant body shape, developing red-orange spotting, and relatively peaceful temperament. At 3.5 inches, this juvenile is an excellent size for aquarists who want to watch the fish develop its adult coloration and impressive body profile.

The fish is commonly associated with the Heros complex, with Heros appendiculatus / Heros efasciatus used in the trade for different forms and historical classifications. Individual coloration and markings can vary.

At Monster Aquarium Canada, the Red Spotted Severum is an excellent choice for aquarists looking for an attractive centerpiece cichlid for a larger South American freshwater aquarium.

Red Spotted Severum Species Overview

Scientific Name

Heros appendiculatus / Heros efasciatus

Common Names

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

Origin

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

Their natural environments can include:

• Slow-moving rivers
• Flooded forest areas
• Vegetated habitats
• Driftwood
• Leaf litter
• Soft substrates

A spacious aquarium with natural decorations can provide an excellent environment for this species.

Red Spotted Severum Appearance

Developing Red Spots

The defining attraction of this variety is the development of red to orange spotting, particularly as the fish matures.

A juvenile 3.5″ specimen may still have developing coloration. With age, coloration can become stronger and more complex.

Typical features include:

• Deep oval-shaped body
• Metallic green, gold, or olive tones
• Red-orange spots
• Darker vertical markings
• Long dorsal fin
• Long anal fin
• Attractive facial coloration
• Laterally compressed body

Individual fish can differ considerably in the intensity and distribution of their spots.

Aquarium Setup

Recommended Tank Size

For an adult Red Spotted Severum, a 75-gallon aquarium or larger is recommended for a single fish.

For a pair or community aquarium containing multiple large cichlids, 100 gallons or larger is preferable.

A larger footprint gives the fish room to swim and establish territory.

Substrate

Fine sand or smooth gravel works well.

Severums may occasionally move substrate while feeding and exploring, so avoid excessively sharp substrate.

Decorations

A South American-style aquarium can include:

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

Arrange decorations to create visual barriers and provide retreats.

Water Parameters

Maintain clean, stable freshwater conditions:

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

Severums can adapt to a reasonable range of water conditions, but sudden changes should be avoided.

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

Plant-based foods should be incorporated into a balanced feeding program.

Feeding a 3.5″ Juvenile

At 3.5 inches, provide appropriately sized pellets and moderate portions.

Feed regularly while avoiding excessive food that can deteriorate water quality.

A varied diet combined with excellent water quality can help support healthy growth and coloration.

Behavior and Temperament

The Red Spotted Severum is generally considered peaceful to moderately territorial.

Compared with many large Central American cichlids, Severums are often relatively manageable in community aquariums.

However, territorial behavior may increase when:

• Fish reach sexual maturity
• A pair forms
• Spawning begins
• Aquarium space is limited
• Tank mates are incompatible

Providing sufficient space is one of the most important factors in maintaining peaceful behavior.

Tank Mates

Suitable tank mates should generally be similarly sized and reasonably peaceful.

Potential companions include:

• Other Severums
• Geophagus
• Angelfish
• Larger peaceful South American cichlids
• Larger tetras
• Plecos
• Medium-to-large peaceful catfish
• Compatible knifefish

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

Always monitor individual compatibility because temperament varies from fish to fish.

Red Spotted Severum and Live Plants

Severums can interact heavily with aquarium plants.

They may:

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

Hardy plants attached to driftwood or rocks are often easier to maintain than delicate rooted plants.

Floating plants can also provide natural shade and cover.

Growth and Color Development

At 3.5 inches, this Red Spotted Severum is still developing.

Juvenile Coloration

Young specimens may show relatively subtle red spotting compared with mature fish.

As the fish grows, its body becomes deeper and its coloration may become increasingly prominent.

Adult Development

Mature fish may develop:

• More intense red-orange spotting
• Stronger metallic coloration
• Deeper body proportions
• Larger fins
• More pronounced facial markings

Genetics are an important factor in the final appearance of each specimen.

Filtration and Aquarium Maintenance

Severums are substantial cichlids and benefit from powerful filtration.

Recommended Filtration

Good options include:

• Large canister filters
• Sump filtration
• Oversized biological filtration
• Efficient mechanical filtration
• Good surface agitation
• Strong oxygenation

Perform regular water changes and remove uneaten food and waste.

Keeping nitrate levels controlled is particularly important in a large cichlid aquarium.

Breeding Red Spotted Severums

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

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

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

During breeding, territorial behavior can increase significantly.

If keeping a pair with other fish, provide a large aquarium with plenty of visual barriers and separate territories.

Why Choose a Red Spotted Severum?

Beautiful Red Spotting

The developing red-orange spots give this Severum a distinctive appearance.

Excellent Centerpiece Fish

Its combination of size, body shape, and coloration makes it an attractive focal point in a large aquarium.

Engaging Personality

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

Relatively Peaceful Large Cichlid

They can be considerably less aggressive than many similarly sized cichlids when properly housed.

Watch It Develop

A 3.5-inch juvenile allows you to enjoy the gradual development of adult body shape and coloration.

Buy Red Spotted Severum 3.5″ in Canada

Looking to buy a Red Spotted Severum (Heros appendiculatus / Heros efasciatus) 3.5″ in Canada?

Monster Aquarium Canada specializes in specialty freshwater fish for Canadian aquarium enthusiasts. This Red Spotted Severum is an excellent option for aquarists building a South American cichlid aquarium and looking for a colorful, distinctive fish.

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

Canada-only sales: livestock availability, quantities, and sizes can change. Check the current Monster Aquarium Canada product 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 commonly identified in the aquarium trade as Heros appendiculatus / Heros efasciatus. Taxonomy within the Heros group can be complex, and trade names may be applied to different color forms.

2. What size is this Red Spotted Severum?

This listing is for a 3.5-inch juvenile Red Spotted Severum.

3. How large can Red Spotted Severums become?

Severums are substantial cichlids and can reach around 8 inches or more depending on genetics, sex, diet, and environmental conditions.

4. Are Red Spotted Severums aggressive?

They are generally peaceful to moderately territorial, although aggression can increase during breeding or when aquarium space is insufficient.

5. What should I feed a Red Spotted Severum?

Provide quality cichlid pellets supplemented with vegetable-based foods, spirulina, and suitable frozen foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and bloodworms.