{"product_id":"rio-tocantins-severum-heros-efasciatus-rio-tocantins","title":"Rio Tocantins Severum (Heros efasciatus \"Rio Tocantins\")","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRemarks: \u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eThe Rio Tocantins severum (\u003cem\u003eHeros efasciatus\u003c\/em\u003e \"Rio Tocantins\") is a locality of \u003cem\u003eH. efasciatus \u003c\/em\u003efrom the Rio Tocantins in Brazil. While juvenile and stressed fish are mostly a muted gray or silver, healthy, settled adults shine with vibrant blue-green iridescence. Some will also develop red eyes and a complementary yellow or orange hue in their fins. With such beautiful coloration and an attractive speckled pattern, it is no wonder Rio Tocantins severums are highly prized within the hobby.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eThe best way to ensure the Rio Tocantins severum thrives in captivity is to replicate their natural habitat. In the wild, they thrive where the water is soft, acidic, and heavily tannin-stained with plenty of sunken roots and wood for them to hide and forage amongst. 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 Rio Tocantins 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eBeing opportunistic omnivores, Rio Tocantins 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Imperial Tropicals","offers":[{"title":"3-4\" Unsexed","offer_id":53838932541747,"sku":"L-40, L-41","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"4-5\" Unsexed","offer_id":53839035498803,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0764\/6524\/2419\/files\/RioTocantinsSeverumWebsite.jpg?v=1786388428","url":"https:\/\/imperialtropicals.com\/products\/rio-tocantins-severum-heros-efasciatus-rio-tocantins","provider":"Imperial Tropicals","version":"1.0","type":"link"}