Severum

The Severum Cichlid (Heros severus), often referred to as the Banded Cichlid, is a popular and hardy freshwater fish known for its intelligence, personality, and striking colors. It is a relatively peaceful cichlid that adapts well to community tanks with similarly sized fish.

Maximum Size:

• Can grow up to 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) in captivity.

Native Region:

• Found in South America, primarily in the Amazon River basin, including Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil.
• They inhabit slow-moving waters, blackwater rivers, and floodplain areas with submerged wood and vegetation.

Diet (Carnivorous or Omnivorous?):

• Omnivorous, with a diet consisting of both plant-based and protein-rich foods.
• In the wild, they eat insects, crustaceans, algae, and plant matter.
• In captivity, they thrive on:
  ✅ High-quality cichlid pellets and flakes
  ✅ Fresh vegetables (blanched zucchini, peas, spinach)
  ✅ Live and frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, earthworms)

Lifespan:

• 10 to 15 years with proper care.

Breeding Season & Behavior:

• Breeding Type: Egg-layer and biparental care
• They spawn on flat surfaces like rocks, driftwood, or the tank glass.
• Both parents guard the eggs and fry, becoming more territorial during breeding.
• In some cases, Heros severus can exhibit mouthbrooding behavior, where the female holds the eggs in her mouth for protection.

Best Tank Mates:

Severums are semi-peaceful cichlids, making them compatible with:

✅ Other peaceful to mildly aggressive cichlids (Uaru, Geophagus, Festivums, Angelfish)
✅ Larger schooling fish (Silver Dollars, Congo Tetras, Giant Danios)
✅ Bottom dwellers (Plecos, Corydoras, Hoplo Catfish)

🚫 Avoid:

• Highly aggressive cichlids (Oscars, Green Terrors, Jack Dempseys, Flowerhorns).
• Small fish that may be mistaken for food (like Neon Tetras).

Ideal Tank Conditions:

• Tank Size: 75 gallons minimum, but 100+ gallons is ideal for a pair or community setup.
• Temperature: 76-84°F (24-29°C)
• pH: 6.0-7.5 (prefer slightly acidic to neutral water).
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard.
• Décor: Provide driftwood, caves, and large rocks to mimic their natural habitat.
• Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel.