Heros spurius

Heros spurius occupies slow-moving rivers and lagoons in the Llanos and Orinoco floodplain of Colombia and Venezuela. Its colouration is more understated than other severums, featuring a greenish-silver body with faint vertical barring and a characteristic dark eye-stripe. However, fish in prime condition develop a subtle golden wash on the flanks and soft red-orange tones in the unpaired fins. An excellent companion for large, peaceful community setups featuring South American species, as it seldom harasses tankmates outside of spawning periods.

Water: 24–29°C, pH 5.5–7.2, soft to moderately hard (GH 4–14). Tank: Minimum 400L; well-planted with large Echinodorus, driftwood, and open swimming zones. Feeding: Omnivore; varied diet including plant-based pellets, vegetables, and meaty frozen foods. Breeding: Flat-surface spawner; both parents defend eggs and wrigglers with moderate aggression. Compatibility: Compatible with similarly sized peaceful cichlids, large tetras, and armoured catfish.