Red-spotted Gold Severum – Heros efasciatus

The fish pictured here are representative only and the fish you receive may vary in pattern or coloration. Please contact a Livestock Mailorder representative at 877-367-4377 or livefish@ for more information on current availability. Groupings are shown for representative purposes only; fish are sold individually.

Severums are often misidentified as Heros severus, a similar species that is rarely available in the trade. Heros efasciatus has several color variants several of which are line bred aquarium strains like the Gold Severum, Green Severum, Raspberry-face Severum and others.

This is known to be rather docile as far as South American cichlids go, though they can become quite aggressive if spawning. This fish is also very smart and personable and can sometimes learn to recognize their owners. Idea tankmates would be other South American cichlids of similar temperament, as well as other fast-swimming, tough fish.

Tank decor for severums is ample swimming space and various rock or driftwood escapes. Plants may be introduced, but there is a minimal chance that some leaves may be chewed.

Severums will accept a variety of foods such as flake or pellet, though they prefer a rich, meaty diet of frozen foods and freeze-dried items. This cichlid is also relatively easy to breed. The parents will clean off a flat surface, such as a rock, and lay up to 1000 eggs. Both male and female will look after the eggs and fry.