Green Severum Cichlid – A Peaceful and Beautiful Centerpiece for Your Aquarium
 
The Green Severum Cichlid (Heros severus) is a vibrant and peaceful freshwater fish native to the rivers of South America, particularly in the Amazon and Orinoco basins. Known for its stunning greenish-gold body with intricate patterns, the Green Severum is a perfect addition to any community tank. This cichlid has a calm demeanor, making it one of the more peaceful species in the cichlid family, ideal for aquarists who want an attractive, yet non-aggressive fish.
The Green Severum is not only admired for its beauty but also for its ease of care. These fish are hardy, adaptable, and can thrive in a variety of tank setups as long as their basic needs are met. Whether in a large community aquarium or as part of a species-specific tank, the Green Severum is sure to be a centerpiece with its dynamic personality and vibrant colors.
Care Requirements:
 
Tank Size: Minimum of 55 gallons (208 liters) for a single Green Severum. A larger tank is ideal if keeping multiple Severums or adding other fish. Providing plenty of swimming space and territories will help reduce stress and territorial behavior.
Water Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C), with a stable temperature.
Water pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.5 - 7.5).
Water Hardness: Soft to medium (5-15 dGH).
Filtration: Moderate filtration is necessary to keep the water clean and oxygenated. Severums are relatively hardy but still require good water quality. Regular water changes (at least 25% weekly) are recommended to maintain a healthy environment.
Diet: Omnivorous. Green Severums are not picky eaters and will accept a wide variety of foods. Provide high-quality cichlid pellets, flakes, live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms, and plant matter like spinach, zucchini, and peas. A balanced diet helps keep them healthy and vibrant.
Tankmates: Peaceful to semi-aggressive. Green Severums are generally peaceful, but they can be territorial, especially during breeding. They do well with other non-aggressive fish such as larger tetras, peaceful catfish, and other medium-sized cichlids. Avoid keeping them with very small fish or overly aggressive species.
Lighting: Moderate lighting will highlight the beautiful green and gold tones of the Green Severum. They don't need intense lighting but will appreciate a well-lit tank. Some shaded areas or plants can also make them feel secure.
Schooling: While Severums are not schooling fish, they do best when kept in pairs or small groups. Keeping multiple Severums together will allow them to display natural social behaviors, but it’s important to provide enough space to avoid territorial disputes.
Decor: Provide a tank with plenty of hiding spots, such as caves, driftwood, and plants. A fine sand or smooth gravel substrate is ideal. Severums enjoy some open swimming space, but also appreciate having places to retreat to when they need a break.
Water Quality: Regular water changes and strong filtration are crucial for maintaining stable water parameters. Severums are sensitive to poor water conditions, so keeping the tank clean and maintaining proper filtration is key to their overall health.