Severum Cichlids: Care, Tips, and Fun Facts

Severum cichlids are an exciting and beautiful species of freshwater fish that can make a great addition to your aquarium. Whether you’re an experienced aquarist or just getting started, these fish have a lot to offer. From their striking colors to their relatively easy care, severum cichlids can become a favorite in your tank in no time. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about severum cichlids—from how to care for them to fun facts that might surprise you. Let’s get started!

What Are Severum Cichlids?

Severum cichlids (scientific name Heros efasciatus) belong to the Cichlidae family and are native to South America. Found primarily in the slow-moving rivers and streams of the Amazon Basin, they thrive in warm, tropical waters. One thing you’ll immediately notice about severum cichlids is their striking colors. They come in a variety of shades, including green, gold, red, and even turquoise.

These fish are often compared to discus fish due to their somewhat flattened, disc-like bodies, but severums are much easier to care for. They can grow to about 8 inches (20 cm) in size, making them a good medium-sized fish for most aquariums.

Why Choose Severum Cichlids for Your Aquarium?

Severum cichlids are a fantastic choice for both beginners and seasoned aquarium hobbyists alike. Here’s why:

• Easy to Care For: Compared to other cichlids, severum cichlids are relatively low-maintenance. They don’t have many special needs beyond standard care.
• Beautiful Color Varieties: Severum cichlids come in an array of colors, adding vibrancy to any aquarium. Whether you prefer the classic green severum or the bright gold, there’s a color for every taste.
• Great Personality: These fish are known to be friendly and have a curious nature. Watching them explore their environment can be a lot of fun, and they often recognize their owners!
• Tough & Hardy: Severum cichlids are pretty resilient. They can adapt to a wide range of water conditions, making them a good fit for beginners.

Setting Up the Perfect Tank

Before bringing your new severum cichlids home, it’s essential to have their tank set up properly. While they’re hardy, they still have some basic needs that must be met for them to thrive.

Tank Size

Severum cichlids need space to swim. For a single severum, you’ll want at least a 40-gallon tank, though a 55-gallon tank is even better. If you plan on having multiple severums or other tank mates, go for a larger tank—around 75 gallons or more.

Water Conditions

These fish come from warm, slow-moving waters, so try to replicate that in your aquarium.

• Temperature: Keep the water between 75°F and 82°F (24°C to 28°C).
• pH: They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
• Water Hardness: Moderately soft to slightly hard water works best, with a hardness level of 5-12 dGH.

Filtration and Water Flow

Severum cichlids enjoy calm waters, so avoid high-powered filters that create too much current. However, you’ll still need a good filtration system because severums are messy eaters, and their waste can quickly pollute the tank. A canister filter or sponge filter works well.

Tank Decor

When it comes to decorating your tank, severum cichlids are pretty flexible. They appreciate a mix of open swimming spaces and hiding spots. Use driftwood, rocks, and live plants to create a natural environment. Be aware, though, that some severums may nibble on plants, so stick to hardy varieties like Java fern or Anubias.

Feeding Your Severum Cichlids

Severum cichlids aren’t picky eaters, which is great news for you! However, it’s still important to give them a balanced diet.

• Pellets and Flakes: High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes should make up the base of their diet. Look for options that include both plant matter and protein.
• Fresh and Frozen Foods: Supplement their diet with fresh or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, or small pieces of vegetables like peas or zucchini.
• Vegetables: Severums enjoy plant-based foods, so be sure to offer blanched spinach or cucumbers to keep them happy and healthy.

Feed them twice a day in amounts they can consume within a few minutes to avoid overfeeding.

Severum Cichlid Tank Mates

Severum cichlids have a fairly calm temperament compared to other cichlids, but that doesn’t mean they’ll get along with just any fish. Here’s a quick list of compatible tank mates:

• Peaceful Cichlids: Some cichlids, like angelfish or keyhole cichlids, can make good tank mates.
• Large Tetras: Consider species like black skirt tetras or Buenos Aires tetras.
• Catfish and Plecos: Bottom dwellers like bristlenose plecos or cory catfish can live harmoniously with severums.

Avoid smaller fish that could be mistaken for food and overly aggressive species that might stress them out.

Breeding Severum Cichlids

If you’re up for the challenge, breeding severum cichlids can be a rewarding experience. Severums are open spawners, meaning they lay eggs on flat surfaces like rocks or plant leaves.

How to Encourage Breeding

• Pairing: Severum cichlids form monogamous pairs. If you’re trying to breed them, you may need to start with a group of young fish and let them naturally pair off.
• Ideal Conditions: Raise the temperature slightly (around 80°F or 27°C) and keep the water clean with frequent changes.
• Spawning Area: Provide flat surfaces, like smooth rocks or broad-leafed plants, where they can lay eggs.

Once the eggs are laid, both parents will guard the nest. The eggs will hatch in about 3-5 days, and the fry will become free-swimming within a week.

Common Health Issues

Severum cichlids are relatively hardy, but they can still face health issues if their environment isn’t ideal. Here are a few common problems to watch out for:

• Ich (White Spot Disease): If your fish start to develop tiny white spots, they may have ich. This common parasite is often caused by sudden changes in water conditions. Treat ich with temperature increases and over-the-counter treatments.
• Hole-in-the-Head Disease: This is a condition where small pits develop on the fish’s head. It’s usually caused by poor water quality or a lack of vitamins in their diet. Regular water changes and a balanced diet can prevent this.
• Bacterial Infections: Keep an eye out for unusual behavior or physical changes like lethargy, fin rot, or swelling. Bacterial infections can often be treated with antibiotics.

Fun Facts

• Personality Plus: Severum cichlids can recognize their owners and will often swim up to the glass when you approach the tank.
• Color-Changing Abilities: Some severum cichlids change color slightly as they age, becoming more vibrant or developing new patterns.
• Tank Boss: While they’re generally peaceful, severum cichlids can be the “boss” of the tank, especially if they’re the largest fish.

In Conclusion

Severum cichlids are a wonderful choice for aquarists looking for a fish that’s easy to care for, beautiful to look at, and full of personality. With the right tank setup, a balanced diet, and compatible tank mates, your severum cichlid can live a long, healthy life while providing endless entertainment. If you’re thinking about adding one (or a few) to your tank, go for it—you won’t be disappointed!

Ready to welcome a severum cichlid into your aquarium? Let us know how your experience goes, and happy fishkeeping!