Red spotted severum

Heros efasciatus, the red spotted severum, is a large, disc-shaped cichlid from the Amazon basin of Brazil and Peru, where it lives in slow-flowing rivers, flooded forests and backwaters cluttered with submerged wood and leaf litter. Though imposing, it is comparatively calm and mixes well with other robust medium-to-large fish such as larger tetras, peaceful cichlids and armoured catfish; avoid tiny tankmates that may be swallowed. It prefers warm, soft to moderately hard, slightly acidic to neutral water with strong filtration, driftwood and open swimming space. An omnivore, it takes quality pellets, blanched vegetables and occasional frozen or live foods, and needs plenty of plant matter for good digestion. It is a substrate spawner forming monogamous pairs that guard eggs and fry attentively.