Description
The Redneck Severum is an as yet undescribed species known only from parts of the Amazon basin near to Iquitos, northern Peru. Here, it inhabits the slow-moving parts of rivers that are thick with marginal vegetation and submerged tree roots. The aquarium should be spacious, with a soft sand substrate and plenty of hiding places/visual barriers created using driftwood, rocky caves, and robust planting such as Java Fern or Anubias sp. tied to the decor. Filtration should be efficient but water movement not too vigorous, and small frequent water changes will help keep nitrate to a minimum. Redneck Severums are fairly easy-going for a cichlid of this size, and as such can be kept alongside other fish of similar size and temperament. Males can be sexed by their cheek markings, which are absent in the smaller females. They may be maintained in pairs or good-sized groups, but should a pair choose to spawn in a community setting, they will become much more aggressive towards the other fish. However, this should not present too much of a problem in very spacious aquaria. After a time, these fish learn to “˜recognise”™ their owner and often come to the glass to greet them or wait for food. May also be seen on sale as the Red Shoulder Severum.
