Severum Cichlid Care Guide: The Gentle Giant of South America
This severum cichlid care guide covers everything you need to know about keeping one of the most personable and approachable large cichlids in the hobby. Often called the poor man’s discus for its rounded body shape and gentle temperament, the severum (Heros severus) is a South American favourite that thrives in planted and community setups alike. At Gensou Aquascaping at 5 Everton Park, we regularly recommend severums to hobbyists looking for a centrepiece fish with real character. This guide sits inside our broader Tropical Fish Species Master Index reference.
Species Overview and Origins
Severums originate from the slow-moving tributaries and floodplain lakes of the Amazon and Orinoco basins. In the wild, they inhabit soft, slightly acidic waters rich in tannins and submerged vegetation. Several colour morphs exist in the hobby, including the classic green severum, the popular gold severum, and the striking red-spotted or rotkeil severum. Adults typically reach 20 to 25 centimetres in captivity, making them a genuinely large fish that demands appropriate housing.
Tank Size and Setup
A single severum requires a minimum tank volume of 200 litres, while a pair or community setup should aim for 300 litres or more. Choose a tank with a generous footprint rather than a tall, narrow design, as severums appreciate horizontal swimming space. Provide driftwood, smooth rocks and hardy plants such as Anubias, Java Fern and Vallisneria. Be aware that severums may nibble on soft-leaved plants, so tougher species are a safer bet. A sandy or fine gravel substrate complements their natural habitat.
Water Parameters for Singapore
Singapore’s tap water, once dechlorinated, sits at a pH of around 7.0 to 7.5, which is acceptable for severums. They prefer a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5, a temperature of 24 to 28 degrees Celsius, and soft to moderately hard water between 4 and 15 dGH. In our tropical climate, a heater is often unnecessary unless your room is heavily air-conditioned. Consistent water quality matters more than hitting exact numbers, so maintain a regular water change schedule of 25 to 30 per cent weekly.
Diet and Feeding
Severums are omnivores with a leaning towards herbivory. A high-quality cichlid pellet should form the staple diet, supplemented with blanched vegetables such as zucchini, peas and spinach. They also relish frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp and the occasional earthworm as a protein treat. Feed once or twice daily, offering only what they can consume within a few minutes. Variety is key to maintaining vibrant colouration and overall health.
Temperament and Tankmates
Despite their size, severums are among the most peaceful large cichlids available. They coexist well with other similarly sized, non-aggressive species. Suitable tankmates include silver dollars, geophagus cichlids, larger tetras such as Congos or Buenos Aires, bristlenose plecos and peaceful catfish like corydoras in larger groups. Avoid housing them with highly aggressive cichlids such as Jack Dempseys or aggressive mbuna, as severums tend to be submissive and may become stressed. During breeding, they can become territorial, so provide adequate space and line-of-sight breaks.
Health and Common Issues
Severums are generally hardy but can be susceptible to hole-in-the-head disease (HITH) if water quality is poor or their diet lacks variety. Maintain pristine water conditions and ensure a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. They may also develop ich or bacterial infections if subjected to sudden temperature swings. Quarantine new fish for at least two weeks before introducing them to an established tank. Watch for signs of lethargy, loss of appetite or visible lesions, and treat promptly with appropriate medications.
Breeding Severums
Severums form monogamous pairs and are substrate spawners. The female typically lays eggs on a flat surface such as a smooth rock or piece of slate, and both parents guard the clutch aggressively. Eggs hatch in approximately three to five days, and the fry become free-swimming within a week. Feed the fry with baby brine shrimp or finely crushed flake food. Breeding pairs appreciate slightly warmer water around 28 degrees Celsius and a protein-rich diet in the weeks leading up to spawning.
Why Severums Deserve a Place in Your Tank
Few large cichlids combine beauty, personality and peaceful behaviour as effectively as the severum. They recognise their owners, beg for food and interact with their environment in endlessly entertaining ways. Whether you choose a classic green, a luminous gold or a rotkeil variety, this South American gentle giant rewards attentive care with years of companionship. Visit Gensou Aquascaping to discuss the ideal setup for your severum community.
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