You have no items in your shopping cart.
0item(s)
You have no items in your shopping cart.
(Heros efasciatus variant)
The Red Spot Severum is a vibrant and peaceful South American cichlid known for its golden-yellow base color adorned with iridescent red-orange spots across the body and fins. A selectively bred variant of the Heros efasciatus species, this fish is popular among hobbyists for its calm demeanor, stunning appearance, and compatibility in semi-aggressive community tanks.
Native Region:
The wild-type Heros efasciatus originates from the Amazon River Basin in Brazil, Peru, and Colombia
The Red Spot variety is a captive-bred color morph
Habitat Type (wild):
Slow-moving rivers, backwaters, and floodplains
Prefers areas with dense vegetation and submerged roots
Size:
Grows up to 8–10 inches (20–25 cm) in captivity
Males may be slightly larger and develop pointed dorsal/anal fins
Coloration:
Base color: Bright yellow or golden
Covered in scattered red-orange speckles, especially dense near the head and flanks
Fins may show a peach or orange tint
Lifespan:
Typically 10–15 years with proper care
Temperament:
Peaceful to semi-aggressive, especially during breeding
Calm enough for community tanks with appropriately sized tank mates
Social Behavior:
Can be kept singly, in pairs, or in groups (if raised together)
May form strong pair bonds when breeding
Tank Size:
Minimum 75 gallons for a pair
Larger tanks recommended for communities or groups
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Tank Setup:
Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
Decor: Include driftwood, plants, and rocks to provide hiding areas and mimic natural habitat
Filtration: High-quality filtration is important; these fish produce a fair amount of waste
Lighting: Moderate—brings out their coloration
Feeding Type: Omnivorous
Best Foods:
Pellets or flakes formulated for cichlids
Frozen/live foods: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, krill
Vegetables: Blanched spinach, zucchini, peas
Occasionally fruit slices (e.g., banana, melon)
Feeding Schedule:
Feed once or twice daily, avoiding overfeeding
Spawning Behavior:
Open substrate spawners—prefer flat rocks or slate for laying eggs
Both parents guard and care for the eggs and fry
Fry Care:
Once hatched, feed baby brine shrimp or finely crushed flake
Parents are usually very protective but can become aggressive during this time
Compatible With:
Other peaceful to semi-aggressive South American cichlids
Angelfish, Geophagus, Uaru, Severum variants
Large tetras, rainbowfish, or catfish like Corydoras or Plecos
Avoid:
Fin-nippers or aggressive species
Tiny tank mates that could be seen as food
✅ A beautiful and peaceful show fish for large community aquariums
✅ Displays personality, intelligence, and parental care
✅ Great for hobbyists interested in New World cichlids
❌ Requires larger tanks and well-maintained water quality
❌ Can be territorial during breeding in smaller setups
The Red Spot Severum is a gentle giant with fiery freckles—perfect for aquarists who want a bold yet well-mannered centerpiece in their South American or mixed-community aquarium. 🐟🌟
(Heros efasciatus variant)
The Red Spot Severum is a vibrant and peaceful South American cichlid known for its golden-yellow base color adorned with iridescent red-orange spots across the body and fins. A selectively bred variant of the Heros efasciatus species, this fish is popular among hobbyists for its calm demeanor, stunning appearance, and compatibility in semi-aggressive community tanks.
Native Region:
The wild-type Heros efasciatus originates from the Amazon River Basin in Brazil, Peru, and Colombia
The Red Spot variety is a captive-bred color morph
Habitat Type (wild):
Slow-moving rivers, backwaters, and floodplains
Prefers areas with dense vegetation and submerged roots
Size:
Grows up to 8–10 inches (20–25 cm) in captivity
Males may be slightly larger and develop pointed dorsal/anal fins
Coloration:
Base color: Bright yellow or golden
Covered in scattered red-orange speckles, especially dense near the head and flanks
Fins may show a peach or orange tint
Lifespan:
Typically 10–15 years with proper care
Temperament:
Peaceful to semi-aggressive, especially during breeding
Calm enough for community tanks with appropriately sized tank mates
Social Behavior:
Can be kept singly, in pairs, or in groups (if raised together)
May form strong pair bonds when breeding
Tank Size:
Minimum 75 gallons for a pair
Larger tanks recommended for communities or groups
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Tank Setup:
Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
Decor: Include driftwood, plants, and rocks to provide hiding areas and mimic natural habitat
Filtration: High-quality filtration is important; these fish produce a fair amount of waste
Lighting: Moderate—brings out their coloration
Feeding Type: Omnivorous
Best Foods:
Pellets or flakes formulated for cichlids
Frozen/live foods: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, krill
Vegetables: Blanched spinach, zucchini, peas
Occasionally fruit slices (e.g., banana, melon)
Feeding Schedule:
Feed once or twice daily, avoiding overfeeding
Spawning Behavior:
Open substrate spawners—prefer flat rocks or slate for laying eggs
Both parents guard and care for the eggs and fry
Fry Care:
Once hatched, feed baby brine shrimp or finely crushed flake
Parents are usually very protective but can become aggressive during this time
Compatible With:
Other peaceful to semi-aggressive South American cichlids
Angelfish, Geophagus, Uaru, Severum variants
Large tetras, rainbowfish, or catfish like Corydoras or Plecos
Avoid:
Fin-nippers or aggressive species
Tiny tank mates that could be seen as food
✅ A beautiful and peaceful show fish for large community aquariums
✅ Displays personality, intelligence, and parental care
✅ Great for hobbyists interested in New World cichlids
❌ Requires larger tanks and well-maintained water quality
❌ Can be territorial during breeding in smaller setups
The Red Spot Severum is a gentle giant with fiery freckles—perfect for aquarists who want a bold yet well-mannered centerpiece in their South American or mixed-community aquarium. 🐟🌟
Q: I just completed my order, what's next?
A: Before shipment, we quarantine all fish for at least 24-48 hours. During this period, we closely monitor the fish to make sure they are healthy. We also do not feed them during this time in order to 'clean out' their digestive system and limit their ability to soil the water. This helps reduce the amount of waste in the bag and will keep the water clean.
Q: When can I expect my order to be ship?
A: Please see Chart below (No Shipping on Holiday)
Order Placed on: |
Ship Date: |
Arrival Date: UPS Overnight |
Arrival Date: Southwest |
Monday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Wednesday |
Tuesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Thursday |
Wednesday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Friday |
Thursday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Saturday |
Friday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Sunday |
Saturday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Monday |
Sunday |
Tuesday |
Wed |
Tuesday |
Southwest: Depending on your location some cities have limited amount of flights per day. I will normally communicate this with you via email or text the arrival date and arrival time.
Note: If the arrival date above don’t work for you please let me know on the note section upon check out on when you prefer to receive the package.
Q: Who delivers my order and how much?
A: UPS Next Day Air:
For a low flat rate of $55 any where in the US with any size box.
Southwest:
For any order over $200 or order containing mostly large 4+ Males,
we recommend Southwest Air Cargo for flat rate of $65.
Q: I just completed my order, what's next?
A: Before shipment, we quarantine all fish for at least 24-48 hours. During this period, we closely monitor the fish to make sure they are healthy. We also do not feed them during this time in order to 'clean out' their digestive system and limit their ability to soil the water. This helps reduce the amount of waste in the bag and will keep the water clean.
Q: When can I expect my order to be ship?
A: Please see Chart below (No Shipping on Holiday)
Order Placed on: |
Ship Date: |
Arrival Date: UPS Overnight |
Arrival Date: Southwest |
Monday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Wednesday |
Tuesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Thursday |
Wednesday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Friday |
Thursday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Saturday |
Friday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Sunday |
Saturday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Monday |
Sunday |
Tuesday |
Wed |
Tuesday |
Southwest: Depending on your location some cities have limited amount of flights per day. I will normally communicate this with you via email or text the arrival date and arrival time.
Note: If the arrival date above don’t work for you please let me know on the note section upon check out on when you prefer to receive the package.
Q: Who delivers my order and how much?
A: UPS Next Day Air:
For a low flat rate of $55 any where in the US with any size box.
Southwest:
For any order over $200 or order containing mostly large 4+ Males,
we recommend Southwest Air Cargo for flat rate of $65.
Q: Some or all of my fish arrived dead - what do I do?
A: We offer a Live Arrival Guarantee service for four hours after door delivery. In the event that a fish arrives dead in the shipping bag, you must take clear digital pictures of the fish in an unopened bag and email it to vegasvalleycichlids@gmail.com within four hours of receiving your package. Live Arrival Guarantee is voided after the bags have been opened.
VegasValleyCichlids.com will also refund (Not Store Credit) on any DOA'S that involve carrier mishandling, which includes delays (Less than 48 hours), damaged boxes or water temperature extremes. DOA's must be reported the day of arrival and be accompanied by an emailed photo to ensure refund.
25% DOA
We will refund 25% of shipping and the price of the DOA fish.
50% DOA
We will refund 50% of shipping the and price of the DOA fish.
75% DOA
We will refund 100% of shipping and 100% of all the fish.
You keep the fishes that made it for FREE.
Q: Some or all of my fish arrived dead - what do I do?
A: We offer a Live Arrival Guarantee service for four hours after door delivery. In the event that a fish arrives dead in the shipping bag, you must take clear digital pictures of the fish in an unopened bag and email it to vegasvalleycichlids@gmail.com within four hours of receiving your package. Live Arrival Guarantee is voided after the bags have been opened.
VegasValleyCichlids.com will also refund (Not Store Credit) on any DOA'S that involve carrier mishandling, which includes delays (Less than 48 hours), damaged boxes or water temperature extremes. DOA's must be reported the day of arrival and be accompanied by an emailed photo to ensure refund.
25% DOA
We will refund 25% of shipping and the price of the DOA fish.
50% DOA
We will refund 50% of shipping the and price of the DOA fish.
75% DOA
We will refund 100% of shipping and 100% of all the fish.
You keep the fishes that made it for FREE.