Severum
Heros efasciatus · Cichlidae
Also known as Banded cichlid, Gold severum
Intermediate
A tall, disc-shaped 'poor man's discus' that is far hardier than the real thing.
In short: A severum needs at least 300 L (79 US gal), water at 24–29 °C (75–84 °F) and pH 6–7.5. It is semi-aggressive, kept in pairs or more, and rated intermediate to keep.
Updated
- Minimum tank
- 300 L (79 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–29 °C (75–84 °F)
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Adult size
- 20 cm (7.9 in)
- Group size
- 2+
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 300 L (79 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–29 °C (75–84 °F)
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Hardness
- 3–18 dGH
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Diet
- Omnivore — pellets, greens, frozen foods, fruit occasionally.
- Care level
- Intermediate
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Amazon basin
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Biotope
- Slow, wood-filled river margins
- Natural conditions
- Warm soft to medium water, wood, tough or artificial plants.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Minimum group
- 2 fish
- Swims
- All levels
- Good tank mates
- Silver dollarGeophagusLarge plecos
- Avoid
- Small fishSoft plants
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Intermediate
- Sexing
- Males have red squiggles on the face.
- Notes
- Substrate spawner; both parents guard fry.
- Common ailments
- Hole-in-the-headIchBloat from overfeeding
Will it fit your tank?
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