Green Severum Cichlid – Heros efasciatus
The Green Severum Cichlid (Heros efasciatus) is a classic South American cichlid known for its soft green coloration, gentle gold accents, rounded body shape, and calm personality. Often admired for its graceful movement and discus-like appearance, the Green Severum makes a beautiful centerpiece fish for larger freshwater aquariums.
Green Severums are popular with hobbyists who want a larger, personable cichlid without the extreme aggression of many other cichlid species. Their semi-peaceful temperament, interactive behavior, and natural coloration make them a great choice for carefully planned community tanks, cichlid aquariums, and semi-planted setups.
Key Features
- Soft green and gold coloration with subtle iridescence
- Classic South American cichlid
- Semi-peaceful temperament compared to many cichlids
- Excellent centerpiece fish for larger aquariums
- Intelligent, interactive, and full of personality
- Works well with hardy plants and natural decor
Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Heros efasciatus
- Common Name: Green Severum Cichlid
- Care Level: Easy to moderate
- Temperament: Semi-peaceful; may become territorial during breeding
- Adult Size: Approximately 7–8 inches
- Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons or larger recommended
- Tank Level: Midwater
- Water Temperature: 75–82°F
- pH Range: 6.0–7.5
- Lifespan: Approximately 8–10 years with proper care
- Diet: Omnivore
Why Choose a Green Severum?
Green Severums are a great choice for aquarists who want a larger cichlid with beauty, personality, and a calmer temperament. Their natural green and gold tones give them a softer, more elegant look compared to brighter color morphs, while their body shape and movement create a graceful display.
They are intelligent fish that may recognize feeding routines and interact with their keepers. With proper tank size, strong filtration, and compatible tankmates, Green Severums can become long-term centerpiece fish in freshwater aquariums.
Ideal Tank Setup
Green Severums do best in a spacious aquarium with stable water quality, strong filtration, driftwood, rocks, slate, caves, and open swimming space. They appreciate structure in the aquarium but still need room to move comfortably as they grow.
For planted setups, choose hardy plants such as Anubias, Java Fern, larger swords, or potted plants. Green Severums may nibble or uproot softer plants, especially as they mature, so sturdy plant choices and secure placement are recommended.
Compatible Tankmates
- Keyhole Cichlids
- Angelfish with proper space
- Peaceful Geophagus species
- Silver Dollars
- Rainbowfish
- Larger peaceful tetras
- Synodontis catfish with caution
- Plecos with proper tank size
- Other peaceful to semi-peaceful cichlids with planning
Tankmates to Avoid
- Very small schooling fish that may be eaten
- Shrimp or tiny invertebrates
- Highly aggressive cichlids
- Fin-nipping fish
- Very delicate or shy fish
- Fish that require very different water conditions
Diet & Feeding
Green Severums are omnivores and do best with a varied diet that includes both protein and vegetable-based foods. Feed quality cichlid pellets, spirulina foods, algae wafers, flakes, blanched vegetables, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and other appropriate frozen foods.
Vegetable-based foods are especially helpful for Severums and can support healthy digestion and strong coloration. A balanced diet helps maintain their green and gold tones, growth, and overall condition.
Care Tips
- Use a 55 gallon or larger aquarium
- Provide strong filtration and regular water changes
- Use driftwood, rocks, slate, and sturdy decor
- Choose hardy or potted plants for planted setups
- Avoid very small fish and shrimp
- Feed a varied omnivore diet with vegetable-based foods
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Green Severums aggressive?
Green Severums are generally calmer than many cichlids, but they can become territorial during breeding or if kept in a tank that is too small.
Do Green Severums eat plants?
They may nibble or uproot softer plants. Hardy plants such as Anubias, Java Fern, larger swords, or potted plants are better choices.
Can Green Severums be kept in pairs?
Yes. Many Severums naturally form pairs as they mature, but bonded pairs may become more territorial during spawning.
How big do Green Severums get?
Green Severums typically reach approximately 7–8 inches in aquariums.
What size tank does a Green Severum need?
A 55 gallon aquarium or larger is recommended for one Green Severum. Larger tanks are better for pairs or community setups.
What foods help enhance Green Severum color?
High-quality cichlid pellets, spirulina foods, shrimp-based foods, vegetables, and a varied diet can help maintain their green and gold coloration.
Can Green Severums live with small fish or shrimp?
Very small fish and shrimp may be eaten as the Severum grows, so they are not recommended as tankmates.
Are these fish available for shipping?
No. Live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Green Severum Cichlids are semi-peaceful South American 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.
Explore More Aquarium Products:
Low stock: 10 left
Couldn't load pickup availability
Explore Related Aquarium Products: