[robertprice]

The Red Spotted Severum, H. appendiculatus, may in fact be a subspecies of the common Severum. It is found in Peru and the western Amazon, but approaches the Rio Negro where common Severum live. It is larger than its cousin, about 10 inches maximum length. Otherwise there is no consistent way to tell them apart. Some have yellow eyes, and some have a reticulum of orange spots. It is thought that the Orange Severums recently seen on the aquarium market are color morphs of this species. They are found in soft, neutral pH water. and in slightly cooler climates. See "Images of Heros severus" and "Images of H. appendiculatus" to try to tell the two apart.

All other details are as for the Severum.