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

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