Red Spot Gold Severum is a beautiful and vibrant fish that is native to South America. It belongs to the Cichlidae family and is scientifically known as Heros severus. These fish are known for their unique appearance and are commonly found in the aquarium trade.
Origin and Habitat
The Red Spot Gold Severum is native to the Amazon basin in South America. They are found in slow-moving rivers and streams that have sandy substrates and a lot of vegetation. These fish are known to inhabit areas with a lot of branches, roots, and submerged logs.
In the wild, Red Spot Gold Severums are often found in groups or pairs. They are known to be territorial and will defend their territory from other fish.
Appearance
Red Spot Gold Severums have a unique and striking appearance. They have a round body with a pointed head and a dorsal fin that extends the length of the body. The fish’s coloration is usually gold or yellow with red spots on the body and fins.
These fish can grow up to 10 inches in length and have a lifespan of up to 10 years.
Care and Tank Requirements
Red Spot Gold Severums require a tank that is at least 50 gallons in size. The tank should have a sandy substrate, a lot of vegetation, and plenty of hiding spots such as rocks and caves. These fish are known to be territorial, so it is important to provide plenty of space and hiding spots to reduce aggression.
The water temperature should be between 76°F and 82°F, and the pH level should be between 6.5 and 7.5. These fish also require a lot of oxygen, so it is important to have a powerful filtration system and to perform regular water changes.
Feeding
Red Spot Gold Severums are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods. They should be fed a high-quality pellet or flake food as a staple diet. It is also important to provide them with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia as a treat.
It is important not to overfeed these fish as they are prone to obesity, which can lead to health problems.
Behavior
Red Spot Gold Severums are known to be peaceful and can be kept with other peaceful fish that are of similar size. However, they can become aggressive during breeding season, so it is important to provide plenty of hiding spots and space for each fish.
These fish are also known to be intelligent and can recognize their owners. They are active swimmers and enjoy exploring their tank.
Breeding
Red Spot Gold Severums are egg-layers and are relatively easy to breed. They will pair up naturally, and the male will build a nest out of rocks and substrate.
The female will lay her eggs in the nest, and the male will fertilize them. The parents will then take turns guarding the nest and fanning the eggs to provide them with oxygen. The eggs will hatch in around three days, and the fry will be free-swimming after another three days.
Conclusion
Red Spot Gold Severums are a beautiful and unique fish that can make a great addition to any aquarium. They are relatively easy to care for, but it is important to provide them with a suitable tank and diet to ensure their health and wellbeing.
These fish are known for their peaceful nature and intelligence, and they can provide their owners with hours of entertainment and enjoyment.