Oro Severum (2”)

Scientific Name: Heros severus (often referred to as Heros efasciatus in the aquarium trade, with the “gold severum” being a selectively bred color morph).

Maximum Size and Lifespan:
Gold severums typically reach 8–10 inches (20–25 cm) in length, though some specimens can grow slightly larger in spacious aquariums. With proper care, they can live 10–15 years.

Recommended Aquarium Size, Water Changes, and Care:

• Tank Size: A minimum of 75 gallons (280 liters) is recommended for a single adult, 125+ gallons is recommended for community setups.

• Water Changes: Weekly water changes of 25–40% help maintain water quality, as severums produce a moderate amount of waste.

• Water Parameters: They prefer soft to moderately hard water with a pH of 6.0–7.5 and temperatures between 74–82°F (23–28°C).

• Care: They need a well-filtered aquarium with open swimming areas as well as driftwood and rocks

Tankmates:
Gold severums are considered semi-aggressive cichlids. While not as aggressive as many South American cichlids, they are territorial, especially during breeding. Suitable tankmates include:

• Geophagus, Large Rainbowfish, Medium-Large Plecos, Electric Blue Acara, Jack Dempsey, Medium sized catfish, etc.
  

• Avoid small fish that can be eaten, and also avoid highly aggressive species like jaguar cichlids or overly dominant cichlids.

Diet:
Severums are omnivorous. In captivity, they should be given a balanced diet of:

• High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes.
  

• Occasional protein sources such as bloodworms or shrimp

• Spirulina based pellets and flakes

Overview:
The gold severum is a beautiful and relatively peaceful large cichlid that makes a great centerpiece fish for a South American community aquarium. Its bright golden coloration is the result of selective breeding. While hardy and adaptable, they thrive in stable, clean, and well-maintained aquariums. Their interactive nature makes them a favorite among cichlid keepers.

Natural Environment:
Wild-type severums (Heros severus and related species) are native to slow-moving rivers, floodplains, and backwaters of the Amazon Basin in South America. These habitats are warm, soft, and acidic, often shaded with submerged roots and vegetation.

Breeding:

• Severums are substrate-spawning cichlids.

• Pairs form strong bonds and choose flat surfaces (like rocks, driftwood, or even aquarium glass) to lay their eggs.

• Both parents guard the eggs and fry, fanning them for oxygen and defending them aggressively.

• Spawns can include several hundred eggs, hatching in about 2–3 days. Fry become free-swimming within a week and can be fed newly hatched brine shrimp or powdered fry food.

• Successful breeding requires stable water conditions and a dedicated pair in a sufficiently large aquarium.