Golden Severum

Description

• Golden Severum (Heros severus), also known as the Bandit Cichlid or Severum Cichlid, is a popular freshwater fish in the aquarium trade. Here’s a detailed description:

  Appearance:

  • Coloration: The Golden Severum has a bright golden-yellow body, sometimes with faint orange or red highlights, especially on the fins and face. Some may have slight dark markings or speckles.

  • Body Shape: Deep-bodied and laterally compressed, similar to other Severums, with a rounded forehead and pointed fins.

  • Size: Typically grows 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) in captivity, though wild specimens can reach up to 10 inches.

  • Fins: Dorsal and anal fins are elongated, and the tail fin is fan-shaped. Males may develop longer fin extensions.

  Behavior & Temperament:

  • Generally peaceful but can be semi-aggressive, especially during breeding.

  • May nip at plants or dig in substrate.

  • Can be kept in community tanks with other similarly sized, non-aggressive fish (e.g., larger tetras, peaceful cichlids, or catfish).

  Habitat & Care:

  • Tank Size: Minimum 55 gallons for a pair, larger for a community.

  • Water Parameters:

    • Temperature: 75–84°F (24–29°C)

    • pH: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

    • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

  • Diet: Omnivorous—accepts pellets, flakes, live/frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp), and vegetable matter (spirulina, blanched veggies).

  Breeding:

  • Pair-forming, monogamous breeders.

  • Lay eggs on flat surfaces (rocks, driftwood).

  • Parents guard eggs and fry aggressively.

  Variants:

  The Golden Severum is a color morph of the Green Severum (Heros efasciatus). Other variants include Red-Spotted Severum and Turquoise Severum.

  Lifespan:

  With proper care, they can live 8–10 years or more.