Description

Rio Negro Spotted Severum (Heros notatus ‘Blue Form’):

Care Guide:

• • Scientific Name: Heros notatus (var. ‘Blue Form’)
  • Common Name: Rio Negro Spotted Severum, Blue Spotted Severum
  • Care Level: Medium
  • Temperament: Semi-peaceful; mild-mannered for a large cichlid
  • Maximum Size: 20–25 cm (8–10 inches)
  • Lifespan: Up to 10 years 

• • Water Type: Obligate blackwater species. They require pristine, highly filtered water conditions to thrive.
  • Temperature: 26°C to 29°C is optimal.
  • pH Range: 5.5–6.8 (strongly prefers soft, acidic water).
  • Water Hardness: Very soft (1–5 dGH).
  • Aquarium Size: Minimum 210 litres (approx. 55 gallons) for a single adult; 280–340 litres (75–90 gallons) is highly recommended for pairs or mixed setups. 

• • Substrate: Fine, soft river sand. These fish routinely take mouthfuls of sand to sift for food particles.
  • Hardscape: Incorporate extensive tangles of bogwood, driftwood branches, and smooth river rocks. This replicates the flooded forest margins where they naturally seek cover. 
  • Botanicals: The addition of Indian almond leaves, alder cones, or organic peat is highly beneficial. These release natural tannins that stain the water brown, lower the pH, and mimic the Rio Negro biotope.
  • Vegetation: They are notorious plant-eaters. Soft plants will be readily destroyed or consumed. If greenery is preferred, secure unpalatable epiphytes like Anubias or Java Fern firmly to the hardscape. 

• • Heros notatus is a thorough omnivore with a vital requirement for dietary fibre.
  • Vegetable Base: The majority of their food intake should consist of spirulina-based pellets, herbivore flakes, blanched peas, blanched spinach, or fresh courgette slices.
  • Protein Supplements: Balance the diet with high-quality cichlid pellets, complemented by frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, Mysis shrimp, krill, and nutrient-enriched brine shrimp.

• • Community Life: This species is notably more peaceful and community-friendly than many other large cichlids. They move with a calm, deliberate swimming style.
  • Compatible Tank Mates: Ideal choices include other mild South American cichlids (such as Geophagus or Keyhole Cichlids), Silver Dollars, large characins, and robust Loricariid catfish (Plecs). Small fish like Neon Tetras must be avoided, as adults will treat them as live prey.
  • Sexual Dimorphism: Males grow larger and display elaborate, distinct spotting across their cheeks and gill plates. Females typically exhibit a more uniform, subtle pattern and have shorter, more rounded dorsal and anal fins. 

• Heros notatus is a biparental, open substrate spawner.
• A bonded pair will aggressively defend a chosen territory and thoroughly clean a flat vertical surface, such as a smooth rock or slate slab.
• The female lays several hundred eggs which both parents fan and guard diligently. Once hatched, the parents protect the fry with fierce dedication. Raising the fry requires soft, acidic water to ensure high egg viability.

Our delivery days are as follows:

Please put your desired delivery day in the Order Notes on the Checkout page.