Severum Fish: A Comprehensive Guide to Care and Breeding

Introduction

Severum fish are beautiful and captivating cichlids that have become increasingly popular in the aquarium hobby. Their vibrant colors, unique personalities, and relatively easy care requirements make them a great choice for both experienced and beginner aquarists.

Taxonomy and Description

• Genus: Heros
• Species: Heros severus
• Family: Cichlidae
• Order: Perciformes

Severums are native to the Amazon, Orinoco, and Essequibo River basins in South America. They are typically found in slow-moving, heavily planted areas with sandy or muddy substrates. Males can reach up to 12 inches in length, while females are slightly smaller at around 9 inches.

Physical Characteristics

Severums are known for their:

• Distinctive coloration: They have a base color of blue, green, or brown with intricate black markings that create a stunning visual effect.
• Elongated body shape: Their bodies are slightly compressed and elongated, with a high dorsal fin and a slightly rounded caudal fin.
• Sharp teeth: Severums have strong, conical teeth that are used for crushing mollusks and other invertebrates.
• Prominent hump: Adult males develop a pronounced hump behind their head, which is a sign of sexual maturity.

Habitat and Water Conditions

Severums require a spacious aquarium with plenty of hiding places and swimming space. The ideal water parameters for severums are as follows:

• Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
• pH: 5.5-7.0
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (5-12 dGH)

It is important to note that severums are sensitive to water quality changes, so it is essential to maintain stable water conditions and perform regular water changes.

Diet and Feeding

Severums are omnivorous fish that feed on a wide variety of foods, including:

• Live foods (e.g., brine shrimp, bloodworms)
• Frozen foods (e.g., mysis shrimp, krill)
• Flake and pellet foods
• Vegetables (e.g., spinach, zucchini)

It is recommended to offer a varied diet to ensure that severums receive all the necessary nutrients. Feed twice a day, offering only as much food as the fish can consume in a few minutes.

Behavior and Social Structure

Severums are generally peaceful fish, but they can become territorial during breeding season. They are best kept in groups of 5-6 individuals to help spread out aggression. Severums establish a hierarchy, with dominant males maintaining a territory and defending it from other males.

Breeding

Severums reach sexual maturity at around 1 year of age. Breeding can be induced by providing optimal water conditions and increasing water temperature gradually. The female will lay eggs on a flat surface, such as a rock or plant leaf, and the male will fertilize them.

• Eggs: Severums lay around 300-500 eggs at a time.
• Incubation: The eggs hatch in 2-3 days, and the fry are free-swimming in another 2-3 weeks.
• Fry Care: The parents will care for the fry for the first few weeks, providing protection and food.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Common mistakes to avoid when caring for severums include:

• Overfeeding: Overfeeding can lead to health problems such as obesity and digestive issues.
• Incorrect water parameters: Severums are sensitive to water quality, so it is important to maintain stable conditions within their ideal range.
• Insufficient hiding places: Severums need plenty of hiding places to feel secure and avoid aggression.
• Keeping only one severum: Severums are social fish and should be kept in groups.
• Mixing with incompatible species: Severums can be aggressive towards smaller or more timid fish.

Pros and Cons of Keeping Severums

Pros:

• Beautiful and colorful fish
• Relatively easy to care for
• Peaceful towards other fish (except during breeding season)
• Can be bred in captivity

Cons:

• Require a large aquarium
• Can be territorial and aggressive
• Sensitive to water quality changes
• Can be expensive to purchase

FAQs

1. How big do severums get?
* Males can reach up to 12 inches in length, while females are slightly smaller at around 9 inches.

2. How long do severums live?
* Severums typically live for 5-8 years in captivity.

3. Can severums be kept with other fish?
* Yes, severums can be kept with other fish of similar size and temperament. However, it is important to avoid mixing them with smaller or more timid species.

4. How often should I feed severums?
* Feed twice a day, offering only as much food as the fish can consume in a few minutes.

5. How often should I change the water in my severum tank?
* Perform regular water changes of 20-30% weekly to maintain good water quality.

6. How can I encourage my severums to breed?
* Provide optimal water conditions, increase water temperature gradually, and offer plenty of hiding places.

Conclusion

Severum fish are beautiful and intriguing cichlids that make a wonderful addition to any aquarium. By providing them with the proper care and environment, aquarists can enjoy these fascinating fish for many years to come.