Severum

The Severum is a large, peaceful South American cichlid often called the 'poor man's Discus' due to its similar body shape and elegant appearance. Despite their size (up to 12 inches), Severums are remarkably peaceful and can often be kept in community tanks with appropriate tankmates. They have deep, laterally compressed bodies with beautiful coloration ranging from gold to green depending on the variety. Severums are herbivorous cichlids that eat plants and algae, making them unique among their family. They are long-lived, intelligent fish that make excellent display specimens for larger aquariums.

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

Severums need spacious tanks with plant considerations:

• Minimum 55 gallons for one (75+ for adults or pairs)
• 100+ gallons for groups or community setups
• Large canister filter (they grow large)
• Heater to maintain 74-84°F
• Sand substrate (they like to sift)
• Driftwood and rocks for structure
• Plant choices: Hardy plants (Java Fern, Anubias, Amazon Sword) or expect them to eat softer plants
• Open swimming space

Important: They are herbivores and will eat many aquarium plants. Choose robust plants or accept that some will be consumed.

Water Quality

• Temperature: 74-84°F (23-29°C)
• pH: 6.0-7.5 (prefer slightly acidic)
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderate (2-12 dGH)
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <30 ppm

Maintenance:

• Weekly 25-30% water changes
• Good filtration essential for their size
• They prefer softer, acidic water but are adaptable
• Monitor water parameters regularly

Feeding

Severums are primarily herbivorous:

• Vegetable-based cichlid pellets as staple
• Spirulina flakes and wafers
• Blanched vegetables: zucchini, peas, spinach, lettuce
• Algae wafers
• Frozen foods: bloodworms, brine shrimp (occasional protein)

Feeding Schedule: 2 times daily, substantial portions for their size.

Important: Unlike most cichlids, they need significant plant matter in their diet. Too much protein can cause digestive issues.

Behavior & Compatibility

Severums are peaceful giants among cichlids:

• Good Tank Mates:

  • Geophagus (similar temperament and size)
  • Silver Dollar
  • Corydoras Catfish
  • Plecos
  • Angelfish (if tank is large enough)
  • Discus (in very large, high-quality tanks)
  • Larger Tetras (Congo, Emperor)
  • Rainbowfish
  • Other peaceful South American cichlids

• Avoid With:

  • Very small fish (under 2 inches) - may be eaten
  • Shrimp and small invertebrates
  • Aggressive cichlids (Oscar, Jack Dempsey)
  • Delicate plants

Behavior: Generally peaceful and slow-moving. May become territorial during breeding but much less aggressive than most cichlids.

Breeding

Severums can be challenging to breed:

• Form monogamous pairs
• Spawning site: Flat rocks or aquarium glass
• Both parents care for eggs and fry
• Eggs: 200-1000 depending on female size
• Fry care: Parents protect fry for several weeks

Challenges:

• Can be difficult to sex (males slightly larger)
• May eat eggs if disturbed or stressed
• Need pristine water conditions for breeding
• Fry can be delicate

Health Considerations

Generally hardy but watch for:

• Hole-in-the-Head: Associated with poor water quality or diet
• Digestive issues: From too much protein, not enough vegetable matter
• Ich: When stressed
• Bloat: From overfeeding

Prevention:

• Maintain excellent water quality (they are sensitive to poor conditions)
• Feed vegetable-heavy diet
• Regular water changes
• Don’t overfeed

Size Considerations

Large cichlids but peaceful:

• Juvenile size: 2-3 inches when purchased
• Mature size: 8-12 inches
• Lifespan: 10-15 years

Note: They are slow growers but reach substantial size. Plan for their adult dimensions.

Appearance

Beautiful, discus-like body shape:

• Gold Severum: Most common, bright yellow-gold color
• Green Severum: Wild-type with greenish body and red spots
• Rotkeil Severum: Red shoulder patch variety
• Deep-bodied: Laterally compressed like Discus
• Elegant fins: Flowing dorsal and anal fins

Tank Maintenance

• Weekly 25-30% water changes (they are sensitive to poor water)
• Canister filter maintenance
• Expect plants to be nibbled or eaten
• Gravel vacuuming
• Monitor for any signs of aggression

Tips for Success

• Provide the largest tank possible (75+ gallons)
• Feed vegetable-heavy diet (unlike other cichlids)
• Choose hardy, robust plants or accept they’ll be snacks
• Keep with other peaceful, larger fish
• Maintain excellent water quality (they’re sensitive)
• Be patient - they are slow growers
• Long-lived fish - commitment for 10+ years
• Consider species-only tank or with other peaceful South Americans

Varieties

• Gold Severum: Most common captive-bred variety, bright yellow
• Green Severum: Wild-type coloration with green body
• Rotkeil Severum: “Red Shoulder” variety with red patch
• Turquoise Severum: Blue color variant