Our Guide To Keeping Red Shoulder Severum Fish

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Heros sp. Rotkeil
   • Common name: Red Shoulder Severum
   • Family: Cichlidae
   • Origin: South America, specifically the Amazon River Basin
   • Adult length: 20 cm
   • Lifespan: 10 to 15 years

2. Tank Setup:

   • Red Shoulder Severums prefer a spacious tank with plenty of swimming space. A minimum tank size of 250L is recommended for these fish.
   • Provide ample hiding places and areas with driftwood, rocks, and robust plants like Anubias and Java Fern to mimic their natural habitat.

3. Water Parameters:

   • Red Shoulder Severums thrive in slightly acidic to neutral water conditions with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
   • Keep the water temperature between 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F).

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • A moderate water flow is suitable for these fish, so choose a filter that provides gentle to moderate flow.

5. Diet:

   • Red Shoulder Severums are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods. Offer them a balanced diet consisting of high-quality flake or pellet food as a staple.
   • Supplement their diet with live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and vegetable matter to provide essential nutrients and mimic their natural diet.

6. Tank mates:

   • Red Shoulder Severums are generally peaceful but can be territorial. They should be kept with similarly sized, non-aggressive fish such as other large cichlids, catfish, and plecos.
   • Avoid keeping them with very small fish that could be seen as prey.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Red Shoulder Severums are moderately active swimmers and display social behavior. They may establish territories, especially during breeding.
   • Avoid keeping them with aggressive or highly territorial fish that may provoke conflicts.