Severum Care Guide

Severums (scientific name: Heros severus) are vibrant and moderately sized cichlids that require specific care and environment to thrive in a home aquarium. They are popular among aquarists due to their vibrant colors and interesting behavior. Below is a comprehensive care guide on providing the best environment for your Severum.

Tank Setup

Severums are known to be highly territorial and can be semi-aggressive, especially during breeding. It is crucial to provide a spacious tank that measures at least 100 liters per fish to accommodate their size and reduce territorial disputes. Ensure the tank has multiple hiding spots created by using rocks, plants, and decorations. Severums are mid-tank dwellers but can be found exploring all tank levels, so a well-decorated tank helps simulate their natural habitat.

Water Parameters

Severums prefer a tank with water temperatures ranging from 24°C to 28°C and a pH level between 6 and 7.5, replicating their natural Amazon basin environment. Regular monitoring of these parameters is crucial, as they are sensitive to abrupt changes that can cause stress or illness. Maintain pristine water conditions with proper filtration and routine water changes to keep ammonia and nitrite levels low.

Feeding

Severums are omnivorous and require a varied diet to stay healthy and display vibrant colors. Provide a combination of high-quality flakes, pellets, and color-enhancing foods. Supplement their diet with live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and tubifex worms. Incorporating vegetables like blanched spinach and zucchini, along with algae wafers, is beneficial for their digestive system and overall well-being.

Behavior and Social Setup

Severums are moderately social fish but can exhibit highly territorial and semi-aggressive behavior, particularly when breeding. It is advisable to house them with similarly sized fish that can handle their temperament. Avoid keeping them with overly aggressive species to reduce stress and potential conflicts.

Breeding

Breeding Severums can be challenging due to their specific requirements. A separate breeding tank is essential to provide a peaceful environment. To stimulate spawning, gradually increase the water temperature and frequently change the water to mimic their natural breeding conditions. Severums become highly aggressive when protecting their eggs, so it is important to maintain an undisturbed environment and monitor parental behavior closely.

General Maintenance

Severums require moderate maintenance, including regular monitoring of water quality, temperature, and pH levels. A consistent feeding schedule and periodic tank cleaning will help maintain a healthy environment. Due to their moderate hardiness, maintaining a clean and stable environment aids in their vitality and longevity.

Overall, caring for Severums requires attention to their territorial nature, dietary needs, and environmental preferences. Providing the right conditions and observing their behavior can lead to a thriving and visually stunning aquarium.