{"product_id":"gold-severum-cichlid-heros-efasciatus","title":"Gold Severum Cichlid – Heros efasciatus","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Gold Severum Cichlid (Heros efasciatus) is a beautiful color morph of the Severum, known for its warm golden-yellow body, soft orange accents, graceful movement, and calm personality. Often described as a gentle giant among medium-sized cichlids, the Gold Severum makes an excellent centerpiece fish for larger freshwater aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGold Severums are intelligent, personable fish that often recognize their keepers and interact during feeding time. Their peaceful to semi-peaceful temperament makes them a popular choice for carefully planned cichlid communities, larger community tanks, and semi-planted aquariums with sturdy plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRich golden-yellow body with soft orange tones\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful to semi-peaceful cichlid temperament\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent centerpiece fish for larger aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGraceful swimmer with a calm personality\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWorks well with hardy plants and natural decor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntelligent fish that may recognize routines and keepers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Heros efasciatus\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gold Severum Cichlid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy to moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-peaceful; may become territorial during breeding\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 7–8 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 55 gallons or larger recommended\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Midwater\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Temperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75–82°F\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.0–7.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 8–10 years with proper care\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivore\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Choose a Gold Severum?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGold Severums are a great choice for aquarists who want a colorful, personable cichlid without the extreme aggression seen in many larger cichlid species. Their golden coloration adds warmth and brightness to the aquarium while their calm swimming style creates a peaceful display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are large enough to be a true centerpiece fish but generally calmer than many other cichlids of similar size. With proper tank size, filtration, and compatible tankmates, Gold Severums can be rewarding long-term aquarium residents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIdeal Tank Setup\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGold Severums do best in a spacious, stable aquarium with strong filtration, clean water, driftwood, rocks, caves, and open swimming areas. They appreciate structure in the tank but also need enough room to move comfortably.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor planted setups, choose hardy plants such as Anubias, Java Fern, larger swords, or potted plants. Severums may nibble or uproot softer plants, especially as they grow, so plant selection and placement matter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCompatible Tankmates\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeyhole Cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAngelfish with proper space\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful Geophagus species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSilver Dollars\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRainbowfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarger peaceful tetras\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSynodontis catfish with caution\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlecos with proper tank size\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther peaceful to semi-peaceful cichlids with planning\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTankmates to Avoid\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVery small schooling fish that may be eaten\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShrimp or tiny invertebrates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHighly aggressive cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFin-nipping fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVery delicate or shy fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFish that require very different water conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDiet \u0026amp; Feeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGold Severums are omnivores and do best with a varied diet. Offer quality cichlid pellets, flakes, spirulina foods, algae wafers, blanched vegetables, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and other appropriate frozen foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVegetable-based foods are important for Severums and can help support healthy digestion. A varied diet helps maintain strong color, growth, and overall condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare Tips\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse a 55 gallon or larger aquarium\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide strong filtration and regular water changes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse driftwood, rocks, and sturdy decor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChoose hardy or potted plants if adding live plants\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid very small fish and shrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeed a varied omnivore diet with vegetable-based foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Gold Severums aggressive?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGold Severums are generally calmer than many cichlids, but they can become territorial, especially during breeding or if kept in a tank that is too small.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Gold Severums good for planted tanks?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey can work in planted aquariums with hardy or potted plants such as Anubias, Java Fern, and larger swords. They may nibble or uproot softer plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo Gold Severums pair easily?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Severums can form breeding pairs, and bonded pairs may become more territorial when spawning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow big do Gold Severums get?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGold Severums typically reach approximately 7–8 inches in aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat size tank does a Gold Severum need?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA 55 gallon aquarium or larger is recommended for one Gold Severum. Larger tanks are better for pairs or community setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat do Gold Severums eat?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey eat cichlid pellets, flakes, spirulina foods, vegetables, algae wafers, and frozen foods. A varied diet with plant-based foods is best.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan Gold Severums live with small fish or shrimp?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVery small fish and shrimp may be eaten as the Severum grows, so they are not recommended as tankmates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre these fish available for shipping?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. Live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAvailable at Tropical Treasures Wyo\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGold Severum Cichlids are beautiful semi-peaceful centerpiece fish for larger freshwater aquariums, cichlid communities, and semi-planted setups with suitable tankmates. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop cichlids, centerpiece fish, freshwater fish, live aquarium plants, fish food, filtration supplies, and aquarium care products. Live livestock is available for in-store purchase or local pickup only.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52383150899413,"sku":null,"price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/4545\/8133\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_d3ce41fe-46c8-4fdb-a569-a10e7bbd12d6.jpg?v=1763510234","url":"https:\/\/tropicaltreasureswyo.com\/products\/gold-severum-cichlid-heros-efasciatus","provider":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}