Severum Care Guide: Tank Size, Water Parameters, and Tankmates
Severums are some of the most rewarding cichlids you can keep, often described as the gentle giants of the South American cichlid world. With their deep, disc-shaped bodies, expressive personalities, and striking colors that range from warm gold to rich green and turquoise, severums make a beautiful centerpiece for a larger aquarium. They are hardier and more peaceful than many cichlids, which makes them a great choice for keepers ready to move beyond beginner fish. This guide covers everything you need to know, from tank size and water parameters to feeding, tankmates, and breeding. Browse our South American cichlid collection and wider freshwater fish selection to see what is available.
Severum Overview
Severums belong to the genus Heros, with most aquarium fish being varieties of Heros efasciatus. They are big-bodied but mild-mannered cichlids that typically reach 7 to 8 inches and can live well over a decade with good care. Selective breeding has produced a wonderful range of color forms, including the warm Gold Severum, the classic Green Severum, and the vivid Turquoise Severum. They are intelligent, interactive fish that quickly learn to recognize their keeper and often beg for food at the glass, giving them an almost pet-like charm.
Tank Size and Setup
Because severums grow large and appreciate room to swim, a single adult needs at least a 55-gallon aquarium, with 75 gallons or more strongly preferred for a pair or a community. Choose a tank with a good footprint from our glass aquariums selection, and aquascape it to mimic their Amazonian home with driftwood, smooth rocks, and shaded areas. Severums are generally gentle with plants compared to other large cichlids, so hardy live aquatic plants like Anubias and java fern usually work well. Pair the tank with strong filtration from our aquarium filtration lineup, since these big eaters produce a fair amount of waste.
Water Parameters and Care
Severums come from warm, soft, slightly acidic Amazonian waters and do best with temperatures around 77 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit and a pH on the neutral-to-slightly-acidic side. Clean, stable water is essential, so keep ammonia and nitrite at zero and nitrate low with regular water changes. Always treat tap water with a quality water conditioner, test your parameters with a reliable test kit, and stay consistent with routine aquarium maintenance. Keeping a few targeted fish medications on hand is wise, since prevention and quick response to issues like bloat or ich are key to long-term cichlid health.
Feeding Severums
Severums are omnivores that lean toward a plant-rich diet in the wild, so variety is important. Build their menu around a quality cichlid pellet, and round it out with vegetable matter such as blanched zucchini, peas, and spirulina-based foods, plus occasional protein from frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp. Explore our full aquarium fish food selection for color-enhancing options, and feed once or twice a day in amounts the fish finish quickly. A balanced, vegetable-forward diet keeps severums healthy and helps prevent digestive problems.
Tankmates and Temperament
One of the severum’s biggest strengths is its peaceful nature for a large cichlid, which opens up a wide range of tankmate options. They mix well with other calm, similarly sized fish, including many South American cichlids, larger tetras, and bottom-dwelling plecos. They can also share space with bigger, even-tempered cichlids like oscars in a sufficiently large tank, and some keepers pair them with dwarf cichlids when space allows. Avoid tiny fish that may be eaten and overly aggressive species that could bully them, and always provide enough room to reduce territorial tension.
Breeding and Long-Term Care
Severums are open spawners and devoted parents, often pairing off and laying eggs on a flat rock or piece of driftwood. A bonded pair will guard their eggs and fry diligently, making them fascinating to watch raise a brood. To encourage breeding, keep water warm, clean, and slightly acidic, and feed a varied conditioning diet. Beyond breeding, the keys to a long, healthy life are stable water quality, a spacious tank, and a balanced diet. Treated well, a severum can be a centerpiece fish for many years and a true highlight of a South American setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do severums get? Most severums reach 7 to 8 inches as adults, so they need a 55-gallon tank at minimum, with 75 gallons or more preferred for pairs or communities.
Are severums aggressive? Severums are among the most peaceful large cichlids, though they can become territorial when breeding, so provide space and suitable tankmates.
Are severums good for beginners? They are a great step up from beginner fish for keepers ready for a larger tank, thanks to their hardiness and easygoing temperament.