Red Spotted Gold Severum (Pack of 2 Fishes)
The Red Spot Gold Severum is a selectively bred color form from the wild-type Green Severum (Heros efasciatus), which are widespread throughout much of South America’s main Amazonian channel in densely rooted, slow moving river waters. A relatively hardy and popular species, hobbyists should take into account the large adult size and somewhat long lifespan [approximately 10 years] of a Gold severum before considering one for their aquarium. For its large size however, Gold severum are a relatively non-aggressive cichlid so long as a pair is not breeding, or it is not kept with small fishes that can become a meal. Sexual dimorphism between males and females is not always clear; males will sometimes exhibit larger dorsal and anal fins, have markings on the gill plates and they could develop a nuchal hump on the head. Red Spot Gold severum are typically yellowish orange in color with red dots and dashes covering its body. There is considerable variation among color intensity and patterning of individual Gold severums. Socializing severums is important to help prevent aggressive behavior as they mature if kept singly; small groups of 4 or more individuals will achieve this desired social structure. An adult Gold severum can reach a size of approximately 12″ in the wild, but between 8″ and 10″ is typically seen in the home aquarium.