Heros notatus
Rio Negro Spotted Severum
Rio Negro Spotted Severum
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Remarks: The spotted severum is a species of South American cichlid not often seen in the hobby. This is unfortunate as these fish are absolutely stunning in regards to their coloration and pattern. Healthy, mature individuals have a base of orange and blue-green hues with the latter color typically being more concentrated toward the head. As indicated by their common name, on top of this vibrant color is a plethora of small spots that can be either deep red or black. As is typical of most severums, the spotted severum also has black vertical bars across the body. They have six in total with the first four being very short to the point of almost being more like spots, the 5th almost reaching the top of the fish, and the 6th spanning the entire height of the body. These bars are most apparent in young or stressed fish and can sometimes almost completely disappear based on the fish’s mood. Male spotted severums show even more elegant beauty by growing extensions to their ventral, anal, and dorsal fins.
The best way to ensure the spotted severum thrives in captivity is to replicate their natural habitat. In the wild, they are known to be endemic to the Rio Negro basin in Brazil in areas with soft, acidic, and heavily tannin-stained waters. This staining comes from the many botanicals that litter the sandy river bottom such as fallen leaves and branches that the severums tend to congregate around. Wood and botanicals such as Indian almond leaves can be used in the aquarium to add some tannins that will boost the health of the spotted severum and encourage them to show their best coloration. A sandy substrate is heavily recommended as severums enjoy digging which can be a very interesting behavior to observe and act as a source of enrichment.
Being opportunistic omnivores, spotted severums are not very picky and will take most foods offered. They will benefit from having a varied diet high in both protein and vegetable matter. Like other severums, they have a mostly peaceful disposition outside of territorial disputes among conspecifics, spawning, and predating upon anything small enough to fit in their mouths. To reduce the risk of fighting when keeping multiple severums together, keep them either as a single fish, a male and female pair, or a group of 5 or more. Providing plenty of space as well as décor to break their lines of sight will further help in reducing aggression. Live plants should be used with caution or not at all as severums are very likely to eat them. Severums grow to respectable sizes but not enough to be tank busters and do a good job of defending themselves so they can make a great choice for a South American community tank with other larger cichlids. With their peaceful demeanor, endearing personalities, and vibrant colors, it is easy to see why severums have become such a beloved staple within the hobby.
Animal Data
Animal Data
- Native to: Brazil
- Breeding: Wild-caught in Brazil
- Max adult size: 11-12"
- Diet: Omnivore
- Social behavior: Semi-aggressive
- Care skill: Intermediate
Tank Parameters
Tank Parameters
- Temp range: 72°F - 84°F
- pH range: 5.5 - 7.0
- GH range: 15 ppm - 150 ppm
- Min Tank Size:
Shipping Info
Shipping Info
We provide premium next day air shipping at affordable flat rates to minimize transit time for the health of the fish.
| US Zone 1 | UPS/FedEx Overnight | $39.99 |
| US Zone 2 | UPS/FedEx Overnight | $49.99 |
| US Zone 3 | UPS/FedEx Overnight | $59.99 |
| US Zone 4 |
UPS/FedEx Overnight |
$69.99 |
| Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska | UPS/FedEx Overnight 1-2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Canada | UPS/FedEx Overnight -2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Florida | UPS/FedEx 1 Day Ground | $19.99 |
| Local pickup | Select at checkout | No charge |
| No overseas shipping | ||
Minimum order for all shipping is $50 for mainland US, $100 elsewhere. Saturday delivery available for an extra $30. Shipping to Alaska and Canada is not flat rate and can be subject to additional fees based on location.
Important order and shipping info
Allow 2-4 business days to process and pack your order. You will receive a notification when it actually ships. Order cancellations are subject to a 10% restocking fee. Order changes cannot be made. However, if you wish to add to your order within 24 hours, you may place a second order with a request to combine the shipments. We will do our best to accommodate, however once an order is packaged and sealed it cannot be reopened.
Your order is covered by our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee.
Why buy from us?
Our Healthy & Happy Arrival guarantee
We've been packing and shipping live fish for over 50 years. When you buy from us, you get the healthiest stock and most experienced live fish shipping in the industry. So you know you won't be disappointed!
Will my fish look like the picture?
The majority of fish on our website will NOT look like their photos upon their unboxing. Fish change in appearance depending on many factors, including mood, age, gender, and social status. Fish will naturally lose color during shipping and may appear faded upon arrival. Pictures are used as examples only. Pictures may be of mature fish with full color or juvenile fish without color. We encourage you to research the species as much as possible prior to ordering in order to familiarize yourself with the various appearances they may take on. Many species have females that look drastically different to their male counterparts, and many juveniles will not have as much color (or different colors) as their adult forms. If you have questions about how the fish will look, please review their information and email us if you have any questions.
How do I know which fish can go together in my tank?
Research the product descriptions on our website and use Google search to help decide which fish can go together. PLEASE do your research and email us if you have any questions. Also, we have a very active Facebook group called Imperial Tropicals Fishkeepers where you can learn from knowledgable and experienced fishkeepers.
How do you ship live fish? Sounds risky!
We've been shipping live fish for over 50 years. we use specialized packaging and techniques to ensure their health. See how we do it.
How much does shipping cost?
We provide premium next day air shipping at affordable flat rates to minimize transit time for the health of the fish.
| US Zone 1 | UPS/FedEx Overnight | $39.99 |
| US Zone 2 | UPS/FedEx Overnight | $49.99 |
| US Zone 3 | UPS/FedEx Overnight | $59.99 |
| US Zone 4 |
UPS/FedEx Overnight |
$69.99 |
| Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska | UPS/FedEx Overnight 1-2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Canada | UPS/FedEx Overnight -2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Florida | UPS/FedEx 1 Day Ground | $19.99 |
| Local pickup | Select at checkout | No charge |
| No overseas shipping | ||
Minimum order for all shipping is $50 for mainland US, $100 elsewhere. Saturday delivery available for an extra $30. Shipping to Alaska and Canada is not flat rate and can be subject to additional fees based on location.
Important order and shipping info
Allow 2-4 business days to process and pack your order. You will receive a notification when it actually ships. Order cancellations are subject to a 10% restocking fee. Order changes cannot be made. However, if you wish to add to your order within 24 hours, you may place a second order with a request to combine the shipments. We will do our best to accommodate, however once an order is packaged and sealed it cannot be reopened.
Your order is covered by our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee.
When will I get my order?
We need 2-4 days to select and pack your fish, you'll get a notification when it ships along with tracking info. It will arrive the next day or day after, depending on your location. See our Shipping Policy for full info.
What if my order is delayed? Will my fish be OK?
We ship hundreds of packages a week, and most are delivered without any issues thanks to our experienced team and premium air courier service. Our high-tech packaging is designed to sustain the animals a minimum of 2-3 days in the box, and in some cases longer, depending on the breed.
However, sometimes delays do occur. If this happens to your order, please document and contact us promptly following our inspection and documentation policies above in order to receive credit.
Can I change or cancel my order after it is placed?
Orders can be changed or cancelled within 24 hours, subject to a 10% restocking fee. Shipping is stressful for the animals and we cannot open boxes once they have been prepped and packed.
Can you hold my order until my tank is ready?
We can hold for a few days, but not beyond a week as inventory changes rapidly. Please only place your order when you know you will be ready to receive them.
What if my order is missing something?
First, please check the box and packaging thoroughly. If you are sure an item is missing please contact us immediately.
Do you offer pickup on local orders?
Yes! Just specify local pickup as your shipping option in checkout and we'll let you know when it is ready.
What if a fish I receive seems dead, sick or doesn't look right?
97% of our orders arrive without an issue. But if something goes wrong, no worries! You're covered under our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee