Inirida Severum (Heros sp. ‘Inirida’)
Remarks: The Inirida severum (Heros sp. ‘Inirida’) is a currently undescribed South American cichlid known from the Rio Inirida in Colombia and Venezuela. They are mostly only known from exports with little officially recorded data. Some speculate that they might be a subspecies of Heros notatus or Heros efasciatus, but this has yet to be confirmed. For now, what is known is that these fish are not often seen within the hobby and are just as stunning as their relatives. Mature fish kept in the right conditions typically display an orange or yellow colored body that is mostly overtaken by blue-green iridescent scales and red spots. Dominant males will also have a nice red color to their anal fins and a yellow-orange patch behind the gill plate. Many have noted that Inirida severums are greatly variable in color and pattern so one individual can differ a lot from another.
The best way to ensure the Inirida severum thrives in captivity is to replicate their natural habitat. In the wild, they thrive where the water is soft, acidic, and heavily tannin-stained with plenty of sunken roots and wood for them to hide and forage amongst. Wood and botanicals such as Indian almond leaves can be used in the aquarium to add some tannins that will boost the health of the Inirida severum and encourage them to show their best coloration. A sandy substrate is heavily recommended as severums enjoy digging which can be a very interesting behavior to observe and act as a source of enrichment.
Being opportunistic omnivores, Inirida severums are not very picky and will take most foods offered. They will benefit from having a varied diet high in both protein and vegetable matter. Like other severums, they have a mostly peaceful disposition outside of territorial disputes among conspecifics, spawning, and predating upon anything small enough to fit in their mouths. To reduce the risk of fighting when keeping multiple severums together, keep them either as a single fish, a male and female pair, or a group of 5 or more. Providing plenty of space as well as décor to break their lines of sight will further help in reducing aggression. Live plants should be used with caution or not at all as severums are very likely to eat them. Severums grow to respectable sizes but not enough to be tank busters and do a good job of defending themselves so they can make a great choice for a South American community tank with other larger cichlids. With their peaceful demeanor, endearing personalities, and vibrant colors, it is easy to see why severums have become such a beloved staple within the hobby.
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Description
Remarks: The Inirida severum (Heros sp. ‘Inirida’) is a currently undescribed South American cichlid known from the Rio Inirida in Colombia and Venezuela. They are mostly only known from exports with little officially recorded data. Some speculate that they might be a subspecies of Heros notatus or Heros efasciatus, but this has yet to be confirmed. For now, what is known is that these fish are not often seen within the hobby and are just as stunning as their relatives. Mature fish kept in the right conditions typically display an orange or yellow colored body that is mostly overtaken by blue-green iridescent scales and red spots. Dominant males will also have a nice red color to their anal fins and a yellow-orange patch behind the gill plate. Many have noted that Inirida severums are greatly variable in color and pattern so one individual can differ a lot from another.
The best way to ensure the Inirida severum thrives in captivity is to replicate their natural habitat. In the wild, they thrive where the water is soft, acidic, and heavily tannin-stained with plenty of sunken roots and wood for them to hide and forage amongst. Wood and botanicals such as Indian almond leaves can be used in the aquarium to add some tannins that will boost the health of the Inirida severum and encourage them to show their best coloration. A sandy substrate is heavily recommended as severums enjoy digging which can be a very interesting behavior to observe and act as a source of enrichment.
Being opportunistic omnivores, Inirida severums are not very picky and will take most foods offered. They will benefit from having a varied diet high in both protein and vegetable matter. Like other severums, they have a mostly peaceful disposition outside of territorial disputes among conspecifics, spawning, and predating upon anything small enough to fit in their mouths. To reduce the risk of fighting when keeping multiple severums together, keep them either as a single fish, a male and female pair, or a group of 5 or more. Providing plenty of space as well as décor to break their lines of sight will further help in reducing aggression. Live plants should be used with caution or not at all as severums are very likely to eat them. Severums grow to respectable sizes but not enough to be tank busters and do a good job of defending themselves so they can make a great choice for a South American community tank with other larger cichlids. With their peaceful demeanor, endearing personalities, and vibrant colors, it is easy to see why severums have become such a beloved staple within the hobby.
