Description
Scientific Name: Heros sp. “Rotkeil” (Often classified as a variant of Heros efasciatus) Common Names: Rotkeil Severum, Red Shoulder Severum, Red Neck Severum Origin: South America (Peru and Brazil, specifically the Amazon Basin)
Physical Characteristics This fish is prized for its contrast between dark body colors and bright highlights.
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The “Red Wedge”: The defining feature is the bold red or orange patch located just behind the gill plate, looking like a red collar or shoulder strap.
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Body Color: The body is typically a base of olive green, iridescent blue, or grey.
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Markings: They usually display 8–9 dark vertical bars along the body (which may fade depending on the fish’s mood).
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Face: Males often have beautiful “worm-like” scribbled patterns on their face and gill covers, while females usually have plain faces.
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Size: They grow to be 8 to 10 inches (20–25 cm) in length.
Behavior and Temperament
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Gentle Giant: Like other Severums, the Rotkeil is relatively peaceful for a cichlid. They are rarely aggressive toward other species, though they may squabble with their own kind if the tank is too small.
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Intelligent: They are very interactive. They will follow you across the room and can be hand-fed once they trust you.
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Diet: They are omnivores with a heavy vegetarian leaning. In the wild, they eat fruit and vegetation. In the tank, they will eat peas, romaine lettuce, zucchini, and pellets. Warning: They will eat almost any live aquatic plant.
Care and Habitat
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Tank Size: A minimum of 55 gallons for a single fish, but 75+ gallons is highly recommended for a pair or community setup.
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Water Conditions: They look their best in “blackwater” conditions (water stained with tannins from driftwood or leaves), but they adapt well to standard clear water. They prefer a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
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Decor: Use plenty of driftwood and rocks to create territories.
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