Spotted Severum (Notatus)

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Endemic to the lower Rio Negro and Essequibo (Brazil/Guyana). Swims in typical Amazonian blackwater environments, among submerged roots and branches.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Spotted Severum (Heros notatus). The body shape is the classic Severum one: high, elliptical and laterally compressed. It differs by the unmistakable "dotted" spotting (notatus) on the entire lower half of the belly.

Social Behavior: Mild and composed, swims with monastic slowness. Tolerates other peaceful cichlids well, but its nature changes drastically during brooding, where the parents defend the territory with vehement assaults.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Cream-golden base coloration, sometimes pale green. The trademark are hundreds of dark red or black dots on the belly and throat, and the intense red facial vermiculations (typical of males, which are larger and more colorful).

Aquarium Setup: Dedicated tank (150 cm / 60 inches). Amber water and fine sand bottom are a must to reduce visual stress. Bare and twisted branches in abundance. Useless to plant: it devours and breaks Echinodorus, Vallisneria and floaters.

Diet and Feeding: Strongly oriented towards green. Offer Spirulina pellets, lettuce, blanched spinach and bottom tablets for Loricariids. Likes bloodworms and krill, but the abuse of animal proteins is lethal to the liver.

Water Quality: True Amazonian Blackwaters are acidic and soft (pH 5.5-6.5). An H. notatus bred in hard tap water will lose its characteristic spots, assuming a perennial pallor indicative of osmotic stress.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Associate with schools of large Tetras (Bleeding Heart, Cardinals or Congo Tetras) or large Corydoras (C. sterbai). Adores the company of Uaru amphiacanthoides. Not recommended with Astronotus or Central American cichlids (they would kill it).

Aquarium Reproduction: Classic flat substrate breeder. They clean a root, lay (up to 800 eggs) and defend the larvae with threatening displays. They are excellent parents and prolong parental care for weeks.

Risks and Diseases: Uncontrolled hybrids: in the European market you can often find "Spotted Severums" or hybrids (Heros appendiculatus x notatus) to create Red Spotted varieties. A true Wild H. notatus is a rare luxury for expert aquarists.