Heros notatus · Spotted Severum

Overview

Heros notatus is a large cichlid from the Negro basin that needs generous swimming space. It is not exceptionally aggressive, but males can dispute with one another and much smaller companions are at serious risk of being eaten.

Distribution & habitat

Native to Brazil's Negro basin, it inhabits black-water rivers and tributaries, often around submerged roots and branches near the bank. Decomposing organic material stains the water brown with tannins, and natural conditions are acidic.

Aquarium setup

Treat a 120 cm aquarium as a starting point for space planning and retain an open swimming area. Plant the surrounding areas and use wood, branches, and smooth stones for structure. Sand suits its digging behavior. Lighting can follow plant requirements rather than a special need for either intense light or darkness.

Diet & feeding

An omnivore, it accepts a quality cichlid pellet as a staple, supplemented with foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp. Larger fish can take small pieces of shrimp or white fish. Include plant foods, for example algae wafers or blanched greens, instead of relying entirely on animal foods.

Behaviour & compatibility

Robust, similarly sized characins or barbs are possible companions, as are suitable cichlids in a spacious community. Male disputes remain possible even though the species is not especially combative. Avoid markedly smaller fish.

Sexual dimorphism

Males tend to grow larger, show clearer red markings on the gill covers, and develop longer dorsal and anal fin extensions.

Breeding

Aquarium breeding accounts are limited. A pattern suggested by related fish involves eggs on a flat stone or in an excavated site, shared guarding, and transfer of hatched larvae to a pit. A two-to-three-day incubation followed by another three to four days before free swimming is a comparative timetable, not an established result for this species.

A quiet breeding aquarium with minimal disturbance is appropriate, since frightened parents may consume their offspring. Newly hatched brine shrimp and powdered fry foods provide starting foods, followed by larger items as the young grow.