Red Shoulder Severum
Red Shoulder Severum
Red Shoulder Severum (Heros sp. "rotkeil") is a striking locality form of the Severum complex — the 'rotkeil' (German for 'red wedge') designation refers to the vivid red to orange-red coloration on the lower flanks and belly of adult males. The green to olive-gold body with fine pattern markings and the bold red shoulder patch creates a fish of extraordinary color.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Cichlid Bio-Gold makes an excellent primary staple — Hikari Micro Pellets as backup. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms or Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp. Feed 2–3 times daily in amounts consumed within a few minutes.
Native to Upper Amazon and Rio Negro tributaries, Brazil and Colombia.
Keep as a pair or with compatible tankmates. Flat or cave surface spawner with biparental care.
A rewarding cichlid for aquarists interested in South or Central American species diversity.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Temperament | Peaceful for its size — community with large fish |
| Typical Adult Size | 10.0 inches (25 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | Pair or small group |
| Ideal Temp | 75–82°F (24–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 3–15 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 1–8 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Cichlid Bio-Gold; Hikari Micro Pellets |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp |
| Origin | Upper Amazon and Rio Negro tributaries, Brazil and Colombia |
| Notes | Rotkeil = 'red wedge' (German) — vivid red lower flanks in males. Upper Amazon locality form. Peaceful for size — good community cichlid. |
