Red Spotted Severum

$26.99

Red Spotted Severum

Name: Red Spotted Severum
Brand: Legacy Line Aquatics LLC
Price: 26.99 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

$26.99

Red Spotted Severums feature a golden-yellow to orange base covered with striking red markings across the body and face. Their rounded shape, flowing fins, and attentive behavior make them an attractive centerpiece for a spacious freshwater aquarium.

Our breeding stock displays the coloration and patterning we want to evaluate as this project develops. Individual offspring will vary, and their appearance will continue developing as they mature.

Our Legacy Line Aquatics Breeding Project

We are establishing a Red Spotted Severum breeding project in Owensboro, Kentucky. Our focus is on healthy growth, body structure, natural coloration, and documenting the results of our breeding selections.

The fish pictured are examples of our breeding stock. Future offspring offered through this listing will be bred and raised by Legacy Line Aquatics.

Scientific identification: Heros cf. efasciatus
Common name: Red Spotted Severum
Variety: Domestic red-spotted gold color form
Adult size: Approximately 8–10 inches
Temperament: Generally mild for a large cichlid; territorial during breeding
Care level: Moderate
Minimum recommended aquarium: 75 gallons for one adult
Preferred temperature: 76–82°F
Diet: Omnivore; include vegetable matter
Swimming area: Primarily middle levels
Breeding method: Substrate-spawning egg layer

Temperament & Behavior

Red Spotted Severums are observant cichlids that often become responsive to their keeper. They explore their surroundings and use sheltered areas between periods of open swimming.

They can live with suitable larger community fish, but temperament varies. Breeding pairs become protective of their spawning area and may chase tankmates.

Feeding

Offer a varied diet built around quality, appropriately sized cichlid foods.

Recommended foods:

Quality cichlid pellets or granules
Spirulina or vegetable-based prepared foods
Frozen brine shrimp and mysis shrimp
Suitable greens and occasional other vegetables
Live baby brine shrimp for small juveniles

Vegetable matter should be a regular part of the diet. Feed portions appropriate to the fish’s size and remove uneaten food.

They Do Best in Tanks With:

Generous swimming space
Driftwood and sheltered areas
Visual barriers between territories
Sand or smooth aquarium substrate
Effective filtration and good oxygenation
Gentle to moderate flow
Regular water changes
A secure lid

Tank Size — Recommended

One adult: 75 gallons minimum recommended
Compatible adult pair: 90–125 gallons preferred
Group or larger cichlid community: 125 gallons or larger, depending on stocking and temperament

Juveniles may be grown out in smaller aquariums, but plan for their adult size.

Water Temperature

Recommended range: 76–82°F
Maintain stable temperatures and acclimate gradually.

pH & Water Conditions

Soft, slightly acidic to neutral water is the traditional care preference.
Captive-bred severums can acclimate to a broader range of conditions.
Ask us for current holding-water parameters before purchase.
Maintain zero ammonia and nitrite, and control nitrate through regular maintenance.

Tank Mates — Possible Choices

In appropriately sized aquariums, compatible options may include:

Larger, peaceful tetras
Appropriately sized rainbowfish
Suitable Geophagus species
Electric Blue Acara
Other moderately tempered South American cichlids
Appropriately sized plecos

Compatibility depends on individual temperament, fish size, aquarium space, and breeding activity.

Avoid

Nano fish small enough to swallow
Shrimp and other small prey animals
Highly aggressive cichlids
Persistent fin nippers
Crowded aquariums without retreat areas

Local Delivery

Delivery is available within an 80-mile maximum distance from Owensboro, Kentucky.
$150 minimum order is required for delivery
$25 delivery fee applies

Local Meet-Up

Local meet-up is available.
After order we will contact you by email, or through Facebook or Instagram Messenger.
We will arrange a date, time, and public location to meet.

Shipping & Live Arrival

Live fish are shipped Monday–Wednesday (weather permitting) to reduce transit risk. Please review our How Shipping Works page and DOA Policy before ordering.