Red-Spotted Gold Severum

Red-Spotted Gold Severum 
(Heros efasciatus – selectively bred colour morph)

Also known as: Chromys appendiculata, C. fasciata, Cichlasoma severum perpunctatum, Heros appendiculatus, Uarus centrarchoides
Native to: Wild-type ancestors originate from the Amazon basin, particularly in Brazil and Peru.
Size: Can reach up to 20cm (around 8 inches).
Temperature Range: Best kept between 23–29°C
Water Conditions: pH 6.0–7.5, hardness up to 18 dH
Lighting: Moderate to slightly dim lighting preferred
Tankmates: Best suited to larger community tanks — avoid small fish
Feeding: Not fussy! Will happily eat flakes, pellets, granules, and frozen options
Males vs Females: Males typically develop more pointed dorsal and anal fins as they mature

About the Red-Spotted Gold Severum

This striking fish is a man-made variety of the Green Severum, selectively bred for its beautiful red spots and golden body. In the wild, Severums live in slow-moving waters and floodplain lakes surrounded by dense plant roots and submerged wood. They enjoy a natural-style setup, so aim to recreate that in the aquarium.

We recommend a spacious tank with soft sand on the bottom, loads of hiding spots made with driftwood, rocks, and hardy plants like Java Fern or Anubias attached to the décor. Keep water clean with a good filter — but don’t go overboard with the flow. They appreciate stability and regular small water changes.

Although they’re a decent-sized cichlid, Severums are generally peaceful and can mix well with similarly sized fish. They can be kept in pairs or small groups. Be aware that if a pair starts breeding, they can become territorial — so tank space is important.

Over time, they often get to know their owner and may swim to the glass when you approach, especially at feeding time.

Feeding Tips

These fish are omnivores and do well on a varied diet. Offer a mix of high-quality flakes and pellets designed for both carnivores and herbivores. Supplement with frozen foods like bloodworms, white mosquito larvae, enriched brine shrimp, Mysis, krill, and chopped prawns. You can also offer blanched vegetables occasionally. Just note they’ll snack on soft plants if available!

Breeding Info

If you're looking to breed them, set up a dedicated tank with soft, slightly acidic water and raise the temperature to around 30°C. Use flat rocks or slate for the pair to spawn on — the female can lay anywhere from 200 to 1000 eggs, and both parents will guard them fiercely.

Eggs usually hatch within 2–3 days, and once the fry are swimming freely, the parents may herd them around the tank. You can feed the fry finely crushed flake food or microworms. Parental care can continue for up to 6 weeks.