Severum

Severum key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

8-12 years

Size

17-30cm

Temperature

22〜29℃

Diet

Prepared foods, frozen bloodworm, chopped prawn, blanched vegetables

Tank

120 x 45cm (about 243 litres) or larger; Seriously Fish states tanks under 120 x 45 x 45cm are not really suitable. Furnish with driftwood and flat stones.

Water Temperature & Quality

22-29C, pH 5.5-7.0, 1-8 dGH. Keep slightly acidic, soft water stable.

Tank Mates

Mild-mannered for a large cichlid. Combine with South American species too big to be swallowed.

Diet & Feeding

Base the diet on quality dried foods, adding frozen bloodworm, chopped prawn and vegetable matter such as blanched spinach.

Breeding & Spawning

A substrate spawner that uses flat stones or wood, with both parents guarding eggs and fry. Grow on a group of juveniles to obtain a pair.

Health & Notes

It loses condition when vegetable matter is lacking. Avoid sudden changes in water chemistry and change water regularly.

About Severum

Severum is an Amazon cichlid with yellow-green coloring and dark bars, growing 17-30 cm. Calm-tempered for a large cichlid, it suits intermediate keepers pairing it with mid-sized South American fish.

7 things to know before welcoming a Severum

1. 1Plan Tank Size Ahead

   Severum reaches 17 to 30 cm as an adult, so it needs a tank with plenty of swimming room from the start. Planning ahead for its full-grown size makes future maintenance and water changes much easier.

2. 2Prefers Soft, Acidic Water

   True to its Amazon River origins, the Severum does best in soft, slightly acidic water. Sudden shifts in water chemistry can stress the fish, so match pH and temperature gradually during water changes.

3. 3Calm Temperament Aids Mixing

   Among large cichlids, the Severum is unusually even-tempered and rarely aggressive. It pairs well with mid-sized South American fish, though very small tankmates may still be seen as food.

4. 4Omnivorous, Varied Diet

   The Severum is omnivorous, accepting both plant- and animal-based foods, and does well on a balanced diet of quality prepared feeds. Rotating between a few food types helps avoid nutritional gaps.

5. 5Color Shifts With Age

   Part of the fun of keeping a Severum is watching its coloring and pattern change from juvenile to adult. The dark bars vary between individuals, making each fish's transformation a little different.

6. 6Territorial Around Breeding

   Even though generally peaceful, Severums can become territorial around breeding time or when pairing up. If keeping more than one, provide plenty of hiding spots and adjust groupings based on how they interact.

7. 7Best Suited to Intermediate Keepers

   The Severum is generally considered suitable for intermediate keepers. Having some prior experience with water quality management and equipment for larger fish will help you care for it confidently.

Frequently asked questions about Severum

Q.Can beginners keep a Severum?

A.The Severum is generally rated as suitable for intermediate keepers rather than complete beginners. Some familiarity with water quality management and larger-tank setups will help you keep it successfully.

Q.Can it be kept with other fish?

A.Severums are relatively calm for large cichlids and generally mix well with mid-sized South American fish. Very small fish, however, may be seen as prey, so choose tankmates of a similar size.

Q.How big a tank does it need?

A.Since adults grow to 17-30 cm, Severums need a spacious tank with room to swim comfortably. It's best to choose a tank sized for its adult length from the start.

Q.What water conditions does it need?

A.Following its native Amazon River habitat, the Severum prefers soft, slightly acidic water. Because sudden changes can stress the fish, adjust pH and temperature gradually during water changes.

Q.Is it subject to CITES regulations?

A.The Severum is not subject to CITES.

Useful tools for Severum care

Learn more about Severum in the encyclopedia

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