Severum
Introduction
The Severum, scientifically known as Heros efasciatus, is a popular choice among aquarists due to its vibrant colors and manageable care requirements. Often referred to as the "poor man's discus," this cichlid offers a striking appearance without the demanding care level associated with some other cichlids. With proper attention to their environment and diet, Severums can thrive in home aquariums, making them suitable for both beginner and intermediate fishkeepers.
What makes the Severum a popular choice for aquarists?
Severums are favored for their vibrant colors, manageable care requirements, and engaging personalities, making them suitable for both beginner and intermediate fishkeepers.
Are Severums suitable for beginners?
Yes, with proper attention to their environment and diet, Severums can thrive in home aquariums, making them suitable for both beginner and intermediate fishkeepers.
Care and Environment
Providing optimal care for Severums involves attention to tank size, water parameters, filtration, lighting, diet, and tank decor.
What is the minimum tank size for a Severum?
A single Severum requires a minimum tank size of 200 liters to accommodate its growth and swimming needs. For a pair, a larger tank of at least 300 liters is recommended to provide ample space and reduce territorial behavior.
What are the ideal water parameters for Severums?
Severums thrive in water temperatures between 22°C and 29°C, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0, and water hardness between 1 and 8 dGH. Maintaining stable water conditions is crucial, as fluctuations can lead to stress and health issues.
How should the tank be set up for Severums?
Incorporate fine sand substrates, driftwood, and caves to mimic their natural habitat. While live plants can be added, choose hardy species like Java Fern or Anubias, as Severums may nibble on softer plants. Ensure the tank has low to moderate lighting to replicate the dimly lit environments they are accustomed to.
What should be included in a Severum's diet?
Severums are omnivorous and benefit from a varied diet. Offer high-quality cichlid pellets, supplemented with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Including vegetables like blanched peas, zucchini, and spinach provides essential fiber and nutrients.
Are there any specific challenges in keeping Severums?
Severums can become territorial, especially during breeding periods. Providing ample hiding spots and maintaining a spacious tank can help mitigate aggression. Regular water changes and monitoring are essential to prevent common diseases like ich and fin rot.
Origin and Habitat
Severums are native to the slow-moving rivers and floodplain lakes of the Amazon Basin, including the Rio Solimões and Rio Xingu. They inhabit deeper, calm waters abundant with submerged tree roots and branches, providing ample hiding spots and a rich environment for foraging. The water in these regions is typically warm, slightly acidic, and soft, conditions that are essential to replicate in captivity to ensure their well-being.
Where are Severums originally from?
Severums are native to the slow-moving rivers and floodplain lakes of the Amazon Basin, including the Rio Solimões and Rio Xingu.
What type of environment do Severums prefer?
They inhabit deeper, calm waters abundant with submerged tree roots and branches, providing ample hiding spots and a rich environment for foraging.
Temperament and Compatibility
Severums are generally peaceful but can exhibit territorial behavior, particularly during breeding. They are best kept with similarly sized, non-aggressive fish. Suitable tank mates include larger tetras, peaceful catfish species, and other South American cichlids of comparable size. Avoid housing them with small, delicate fish, as Severums may view them as prey. Providing ample hiding spots and a spacious environment helps reduce potential aggression and promotes a harmonious tank community.
Are Severums aggressive?
Severums are generally peaceful but can exhibit territorial behavior, particularly during breeding.
What are suitable tank mates for Severums?
Suitable tank mates include larger tetras, peaceful catfish species, and other South American cichlids of comparable size.
How can aggression be minimized in a tank with Severums?
Providing ample hiding spots and a spacious environment helps reduce potential aggression and promotes a harmonious tank community.
Interesting Facts
Severums are known for their unique personalities, with each fish displaying different habits and behaviors. They are often referred to as the "poor man's discus" due to their similar appearance but more manageable care requirements. In the wild, Severums are known to surface for air in low-oxygen environments, a behavior that can also be observed in home aquariums. Additionally, they are known to dig up substrate to create hiding spots or during breeding, so providing a soft substrate is beneficial.
Why are Severums called the "poor man's discus"?
They are often referred to as the "poor man's discus" due to their similar appearance but more manageable care requirements.
Do Severums exhibit any unique behaviors?
In the wild, Severums are known to surface for air in low-oxygen environments, a behavior that can also be observed in home aquariums.
Sources
All information in this article has been gathered from the following reputable sources: