Severum
Also known as: Heros efasciatus
The Severum (Heros efasciatus) is a popular freshwater cichlid known for its oval, laterally compressed body and vibrant coloration, which can range from greenish-gold to red-orange depending on morph and mood. The Severum originates from Amazon River basin in South America, including Brazil, Peru, and Colombia, reaches 20-25 cm in captivity, typically lives 8-12 years, and is kept at 24-28°C (75-82°F). Individual fish vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Species at a glance
- Origin
- Amazon River basin in South America, including Brazil, Peru, and Colombia
- Adult size
- 20-25 cm (8-10 inches)
- Life span
- 8-12 years
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive; territorial but generally peaceful with similarly sized fish
- Tank size
- Minimum 200 liters (50 gallons) for a single fish; 300+ liters (80+ gallons) recommended for pairs or community setups
- Water temp
- 24-28°C (75-82°F)
- pH range
- 6.0-7.5
- Diet
- Omnivorous; accepts high-quality cichlid pellets, frozen foods (brine shrimp, bloodworms), blanched vegetables, and occasional live foods
- Other names
- Heros efasciatus
About the Severum
The Severum (Heros efasciatus) is a popular freshwater cichlid known for its oval, laterally compressed body and vibrant coloration, which can range from greenish-gold to red-orange depending on morph and mood. Native to slow-moving, vegetated waters of the Amazon basin, it thrives in well-planted aquariums with soft, slightly acidic water. Severums are intelligent and interactive, often recognizing their owners and displaying complex social behaviors. While generally peaceful for a cichlid, they can become territorial during breeding or in cramped conditions.
Lifespan and health
With optimal care, Severums commonly live 8-12 years, though exceptional specimens may reach 15 years in pristine conditions; longevity is strongly tied to stable water parameters, low stress, and a balanced diet rich in fiber and vitamins. Common health issues include hole-in-the-head disease (often linked to poor water quality or nutritional deficiencies), ich (white spot disease) during temperature fluctuations, and bacterial infections from injuries due to aggression; preventative measures include maintaining pH between 6.5-7.0, avoiding overcrowding, and quarantining new fish for 4-6 weeks before introduction.
Overview
The Severum (Heros efasciatus) is a popular freshwater cichlid known for its oval, laterally compressed body and vibrant coloration, which can range from greenish-gold to red-orange depending on morph and mood. Native to slow-moving, vegetated waters of the Amazon basin, it thrives in well-planted aquariums with soft, slightly acidic water. Severums are intelligent and interactive, often recognizing their owners and displaying complex social behaviors. While generally peaceful for a cichlid, they can become territorial during breeding or in cramped conditions.
Care and tank setup
Tank setup should include a sandy or fine gravel substrate, driftwood, and robust plants like Amazon swords or Java fern to mimic their natural habitat; provide caves or rock formations for hiding and territorial boundaries. Maintain water quality with weekly 25-30% water changes and efficient filtration to handle their moderate waste output; avoid strong currents as they prefer calm to moderate flow. Feed a varied diet 2-3 times daily in portions they can consume within 2-3 minutes, emphasizing vegetable matter to prevent bloat and support digestive health.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Severum, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.