Severum - Heros severus

Scientific name: Heros severus

Common name: Severum

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 25 - 30 cm (9.84 - 11.81 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6 - 7.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 18°N (71.43 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 24 - 29 °C (75.2 - 84.2°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food

The omnivorous Severum should have a varied diet consisting of plenty of veggies, such as blanched spinach, zucchini, and cucumber. These vegetables provide essential nutrients and fiber necessary for their digestive health. Additionally, supplement their diet with high-quality flakes or pellets specifically formulated for cichlids. While Severums will certainly enjoy a snack of live or frozen food, such as bloodworms or brine shrimp, these should only be given sparingly to avoid nutritional imbalance.

Sexing

Sexing Severums can be challenging, but there are some indicators to look for. Male and female Severums of the same color variety will usually have similar colorations, but differences can be observed in the clarity of the color and the patterns on the face. Typically, the male will exhibit brighter coloring and more distinct facial patterns compared to the female, who may appear paler and lack pronounced facial markings. However, accurate sexing may require close observation over time, especially during breeding behavior.

Breeding

Severums are known as delayed mouthbrooders, meaning the female will lay eggs on a flat, clean surface such as a rock or a smooth piece of slate. The male fertilizes the eggs, after which the female will gather them into her mouth and incubate them until they hatch. This process can take several days, during which the female will not eat and will focus solely on protecting her brood. Once the fry emerge from their eggs, they will remain in the female's mouth for additional protection until they are able to swim freely and forage for food on their own.

Lifespan

The Severum Cichlid is known for its longevity and can live for more than 10 years with proper care and maintenance. Providing a suitable environment with clean water, proper nutrition, and adequate space for swimming and hiding will contribute to their overall health and lifespan.

Origin

Heros severus, commonly known as the Severum Cichlid, originates from the Amazon River in South America. In its natural habitat, it inhabits calm and deep waters, often found among submerged vegetation and fallen branches.

Short Description

The Severum Cichlid, also known as Banded Cichlid or Hero Cichlid, comes in various color variations, including gold, green, and red-spotted. Despite these color differences, all Severums generally exhibit similar temperaments, being relatively peaceful for their size. They can coexist with a variety of tankmates, but it's essential to monitor their interactions and provide adequate hiding places to minimize potential conflicts.

Pictures

These stunning images of Severum Cichlids were acquired from jjphoto.dk and showcase the beauty and diversity of this popular aquarium fish: