El fake record, scientifically known as Heros Severus, is a freshwater fish highly valued in aquaristics for its spectacular appearance and its gentle characterThroughout this article, you'll discover everything you need to know about this fascinating fish: from its origin and behavior to its maintenance, reproduction, physical characteristics, compatibility, feeding, and advanced care, so you can fully enjoy its presence in your aquarium.
Origin and natural habitat of Heros severus
The fake record is originally from South America, mainly from the Amazon River basin and the Orinoco system. Its distribution includes Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Brazil and some areas of Bolivia. Lives in lagoons, rivers and tributaries with abundant vegetation and calm waters, where you feel protected among submerged trunks, roots and natural caves. Its natural environment has waters with characteristics slightly acidic to neutral and low mineralization, which limits its maintenance in aquariums.
Physical characteristics and sexual dimorphism
El Heros Severus has a markedly body oval and laterally compressed, hence its common name of false discus, due to its resemblance to the discus fish. Its size in captivity can exceed 20 centimeters in adult specimens, although under natural conditions they can reach similar or even slightly larger dimensions.
Its coloration varies according to mood and stage of life, and can range from olive green to brown, gold or reddish, accentuating the black vertical bands that run through their body, especially in youth. A striking feature is their reddish or orange eyes, which give it a hypnotic appearance.
- sexual dimorphism: Males are generally more large, colorful, and with longer, pointed finsOn the top of the head, the male may display more intense, reddish tones. Females tend to be somewhat smaller and less vividly colored.
Behavior of the false discus in the aquarium
The Heros severus is a fish of calm and gregarious behavior, ideal for community aquariums with species of similar size and similar temperament. It is a species that loves hide and feel safe, so she will appreciate the presence of caves, roots and resistant plantsAlthough it is normally peaceful, during breeding periods it can become territorial and vigorously protect their area.
Outside the breeding season, it coexists well with other large fish such as Discs, Scalares, Oscar and South American cichlids of similar size. It is important to avoid small or overly active companions, as they can become easily stressed or, in the case de peces tiny, see them as food. During the day, it is usually hidden or moving slowly among the decoration, showing its chromatic beauty in every movement.
Aquarium conditions and water parameters
To keep a false discus in optimal conditions, the aquarium must have a volume minimum of 200 liters for a small group, although a pair can live comfortably in tanks from 150 litersIf you want to keep them with other species or several individuals, the larger the aquarium, the better to avoid territorial disputes.
- Temperature: Between 26 and 28 ° C It is ideal, although it tolerates temperatures up to 23-29°C without problems.
- pH: Prefers waters slightly acidic to neutral (5.0–6.5), but it can adapt to values ​​close to 7 if the transition is gradual.
- Hardness: Soft to moderately soft water (2–6º dGH), although it accepts waters with greater mineralization over time.
- Filtration and oxygenation: It is essential to maintain a high water quality, with periodic partial changes and efficient filtration but without excessive current, since it prefers calm waters.
- Decoration: Incorporates rocks, logs, roots and many caves; also hardy plants, considering that they may sometimes uproot or nibble them if their plant diet is insufficient. Floating plants can help filter light and create shaded areas, which are much appreciated by the species.
- Lighting: Moderate, best diffused or filtered to simulate the original environment and avoid fish stress.
Compatibility with other species
The Heros Severus is highly appreciated in community aquariums provided the company is selected appropriately. It is compatible with:
- Fish of similar or larger size: Discus, large angelfish, Oscar fish and other mild-mannered cichlids.
- Compatible species without restriction: There is a wide selection (up to 43 species) that can coexist with the false discus in aquariums with adequate space and parameters.
- Conditional compatibility: In some cases, cohabitation depends on the size, personality and territorialityFor example, with Microgeophagus ramirezi or Macropodus opercularis, compatibility depends on the nature of the individuals and the available space.
- Species that require ample space: There are species that can be territorial if space is insufficient, such as Polypterus senegalus, Chromobotia macracanthus, Horabagrus brachysoma and Pelvicachromis pulcher.
It is recommended to avoid housing very small species, such as tiny tetras, or aggressive/hyperactive ones that may be bothered or attacked by the false discus during breeding season.
Diet: varied and balanced diet
El fake record es omnivore, with a preference for a diet that includes plant matter and protein sources. Their diet should be very varied To ensure its health and maintain intense color:
- Quality commercial food: Flakes, granules and sticks, suitable for medium-large cichlids.
- Plant food: It is essential to regularly incorporate spinach, lettuce, chard, cooked and peeled peasThis contribution prevents them from biting the aquarium plants.
- Live or frozen food: Artemia, daphnia, mosquito larvae and small crustaceans, ideal for stimulating instincts and improving vitality.
- Powdered or crushed feed for fry in their early stages.
It is recommended to feed the Heros severus two or three times a day in small amounts, avoiding excess to avoid water pollution. A balanced diet strengthens the immune system and improves reproduction and longevity.
Advanced maintenance and specific care
The care of the fake disc is moderately simple for hobbyists with experience in cichlids, although it requires certain aspects to take into account:
- Water quality: Stable parameters and control of nitrates and nitrites are essential. Perform weekly water changes of 20-30%.
- Filtration and oxygenationGood filtration is key, avoiding excessive currents; using diffusers or sponge filters is useful to keep the water well oxygenated without creating turbulence.
- Diseases: It is not especially susceptible, but poor water quality can cause bacterial, fungal or parasitic problems.
- Safe decorationAvoid sharp objects. Use rounded logs and caves to prevent injuries.
Lighting should be soft and if plants are used, they should be species of proven resistance such as Anubias, Echinodorus or Java fernsProvide shaded areas where the fish can rest and feel protected.
Reproduction of Heros severus in captivity
La reproduction False discus breeding is possible in an aquarium, although it requires some care and a suitable environment. stable couples, but not all specimens are compatible, so it is best to start with a group of young ones and let them pair naturally.
- Put: Usually on a flat stone or smooth surface that the parents clean meticulously. The female deposits from 400 to more than 500 eggs in a single setting.
- Incubation: The eggs hatch in about 48 hours. The parents usually move the larvae to holes dug near the stone or hiding places safe to avoid predators.
- Parental care: For 2 to 3 weeks, the parents protect the fry, changing their hiding place several times, and in case of danger, they may carry them in their mouths (larvophilic mouthbrooding) to protect them until they are free-swimming.
- Feeding fry: They begin to feed on powdered food, brine shrimp nauplii and finely crushed flakes after 3 or 4 days of free life.
During breeding season, adults may show pronounced territoriality and intense colors, especially the black stripe above the eye, which becomes much more visible. It is recommended to keep the breeding pair in their own or separate tank to maximize success and protect the fry from the rest of the aquarium inhabitants.
Life expectancy and general well-being
The fake disc can live more than 10 years in optimal conditions. A stable environment, a balanced diet, and a well-maintained aquarium are key to achieving maximum longevity, always displaying its best colors and natural behavior.
Key points for your well-being include:
- Avoid sharp fluctuations water parameters
- Keep a stable routine feeding and maintenance
- Provide shelters and avoid overcrowding in the aquarium
El fake album – Heros Severus It stands out for its beauty, pleasant temperament, and adaptability. It's a centerpiece in well-prepared aquariums, ideal for those who want to experiment with fish with strong personalities and affordable care. Properly planning its integration and providing a suitable environment guarantees years of enjoyment watching its development, reproduction, and interaction with its environment and tank mates.