Scientific name: Heros efasciatus

Common name: Severum

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 12 - 15 cm (4.72 - 5.91 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6 - 7.3

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 13 - 23°N (232.14 - 410.71ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 22 - 28 °C (71.6 - 82.4°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: aggressive/territorial

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive/territorial

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Some species of Severums can be a bit fussy when it comes to feeding them. If using quality cichlid pellets or flake, they should accept them. They will also appreciate treats of blood worms, beef heart, and glass worms.

Origin

South America; Severums are to be found in the Amazonian River Basins.

Sexing

Males tend to have brighter markings on their gill plates; they will also have extended dorsal and anal fins.

Breeding

Once a pair is established, they are fairly easy to breed but it can take a long time for the bond to form. It is best to purchase a group of juveniles and let them pair naturally. After cleaning a spawning site, the female will lay while the male will be behind her quickly fertilising them. Both parents will protect them and this will carry on until the fry are large enough to handle their standard diet of foods.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Heros efasciatus is 5-10 years.

Short description

The Severums are not a difficult fish to keep but does require a lot of tank maintenance in the form of regular water changes. Provide them with rocks or wood for hiding places.