Cichlasoma Severum (Heros efasciatus)

Heros efasciatus, another name for the striking fish Cichlasoma severum, adds vivid life to any aquarium. Fish enthusiasts hold a special place for this South American cichlid because of its remarkable size and stunning colors. Its native streams and rivers in the Amazon Basin are slow-moving, nurturing environments where it flourishes.

A notable characteristic of the Severum is its extensive color spectrum. It may display green, gold, or even red hues, depending on its mood and surroundings. Its unique body shape and capacity to change color make it an intriguing addition to a home aquarium. It should be noted, though, that due to its size and active lifestyle, larger tanks with lots of room are the ideal home for it.

Maintaining a Severum demands some dedication. They favor a clean, well-kept tank with lots of hiding places and clean water. Additionally, they have a reputation for being gregarious, frequently interacting with their tank mates and occasionally displaying a hint of territoriality. Maintaining the health and happiness of your Severum can be achieved by being aware of their needs and behaviors.

All things considered, for those who are prepared to fulfill the care requirements, the Cichlasoma Severum is a rewarding fish to own. It is a species that stands out in the aquarium world due to its distinct beauty and captivating personality. This colorful and durable cichlid can be the focal point of your aquatic setup with the right care and attention.

Description

The body is disc-shaped, not overly elongated, and heavily compressed from the sides. The same small mouth and steep forehead as Discus. The anal fin of a male fish reaches the caudal fin’s rounded edge, while the anal fin of a female fish is shorter. Both the dorsal and anal fins are elongated and pointed. In both sexes, the lateral fins are longer.

The coloration of males and females is basically the same, but the female is usually paler and lacks a pattern on the head. The general color of wild individuals is changeable, but is usually brownish to greenish with some copper shades. Eight or nine stripes can be seen on the sides, these stripes are more pronounced in young fish, by the time they reach maturity only the last one is visible, it links together a large pale black spot on the translucent part of the dorsal fin with a spot on the anal fin. In addition, on the sides of each strip there are brownish-red points, giving the fish a beautiful shine. The head of males has red, brown and blue-green strokes. The iris of the eyes is red. The tail fin from yellow-green to gray-green, and sometimes there is a strip across the base of the fin. Dark-colored abdominal and dorsal fins and lighter to olive-green color in transparent areas.

The most popular Severum selection forms are now available for purchase: Severum Red-Pacific (Heros SP. "Rotkeil"), Severum Emerald (Heros SP. "BLAU"), and North-North of the Golden Red-Pointed One (Heros SP. "Red Spot").

Heros Efasciatus "Tapajos" is one of the many geographical morphs that exist; it is not a subspecies. "Tapazhos" is merely the Tapazhos River’s geographic name.

This species’ relatively vivid variation is called Heros Efasciatus Rotkeil.

Hero efasciatus Severum The orange-red forehead of "Rotkeil" fish extends down its body and, in adulthood, onto its fins. Depending on the state of the fish, black lines can be seen on the sides, particularly near the bottom. For novices, it is challenging to distinguish between the previous two colors.

Heros sp. "Blau" is another selective form.

Severum Heros efasciatus "Blau" makes an impression with its rich blue hue, which turns blue-black when it spawns.

Heros Gold efasciatus states that the yellow or gold form is not albino.

Hero efasciatus "Gold" comes in a range of yellow-orange hues, with yellow in juvenile forms and orange in mature forms. Brighter, more yellow, and inevitably bright red eyes characterize the pure albino form.

Size

30 cm is the maximum standard length. This is unlikely to be possible in an aquarium; a size of 20–25 cm is more likely.

Behavior and compatibility

For cichlids of this size, this species is generally calm and gregarious, except during the spawning season. It is therefore a wise option for a community of big, content fish. It is preferable to retain it among other South American species.

They coexist peacefully in sizable species groups or with acara and even angelfish. Naturally, you should avoid taking any chances and keep them with little fish like guppies or neons. Severums grow more slowly after reaching a height of 20 cm, which happens over the course of a year.

If left alone, some people may develop the disagreeable personality trait of territoriality as they age. Generally speaking, keeping them with their relatives will almost always stop such behavior.

Aquarium

Aquariums that are at least 120 * 45 * 45 cm (240 liters) are suitable for full-fledged maintenance.

It will be very simple to organize the biotope. Utilize river sand as the substrate, then add some stones, twigs, and branches. Natural habitats do not typically contain aquatic plants. Let the leaves and driftwood discolor the water until it resembles weak tea. To help replicate black water conditions, a small mesh bag filled with peat suitable for aquariums can be added to the filter. Make use of relatively low lighting.

Water parameters:

22 to 29 degrees Celsius pH range: 5.5–7.5 Hardness: 4–15°DH / 1–8°H

Though they are bred to be fairly hardy and able to withstand a variety of aquarium conditions, aquarium fish prefer soft water.

Feeding

Gregarious and carefree. Excellent dry foods as well as frozen and live foods like shrimp, chopped earthworms, and bloodworms.

The diet should also include some plant matter. Foods based on dried spirulina, blanched spinach, and shelled frozen peas are all advised.

Sexual dimorphism

The male has longer dorsal and anal fins, is larger, and has markings on its gill covers. It may also develop a nuchal hump.

Heros efasciatus, or Cichlasoma severum, is an interesting and vibrant fish that is a wonderful addition to a well-kept aquarium. In contrast to other cichlid species, this South American species is renowned for its vivid colors and peaceful disposition. Both seasoned aquarists and enthusiasts wishing to incorporate a dash of exotic beauty into their setups will find it suitable as it thrives in a large tank with lots of hiding places and a stable environment. Maintaining its health and happiness in your aquarium depends on your understanding of its care needs and habits.

Breeding

Purchasing a bunch of juvenile fish and raising them is a smart idea if you want to breed Severums. Naturally, a pair should emerge from this group. After a surface like a flat rock is used for spawning, both parents watch over it until the larvae hatch. The child is raised with participation from both parents. The fry, which are fairly big, can immediately be fed brine shrimp and powdered food mixes.

Severums are a species that spawn on substrate, which takes the shape of a sloping, level surface. Each parent will defend and fry their eggs. Severums have the ability to excavate a hole or make a smooth surface, like a rock, in an aquarium, where they can deposit their eggs. Cichlids organize mating games prior to spawning, which typically take place over the location of their choice. During these games, they open their mouths widely and simultaneously and perform "tail slaps."

Reduce the pH to roughly 6.2 gradually to improve breeding success. Depending on temperature and pH, the larvae should hatch in three to five days after the eggs have been laid and fertilized. Unfertilized eggs will turn white in one to two days, whereas fertilized eggs are light brown.

Regarding the fry, you have two options: either take the eggs out of the tank and place them in an incubator, or you can leave them alone and allow the parents tend to their progeny. Micro worms and brine shrimp make good fry food. Note that young parents in Severum frequently fall short of raising the fry. They might not shield the fry properly, or they might even inadvertently consume them out of fear. Remain optimistic, as this kind of conduct is typical. All of this calls for patience because male Severums don’t show their best colors until they are three years old, and young Severums cannot reproduce until they are two years old.

Severum cichlasomas are lovely fish with colors ranging from stunning natural to red, yellow, green, or blue. You can find Severums in aquarium hobbyists’ collections in nearly every combination of the aforementioned hues.

If properly cared for, Severum (Heros efasciatus) can live for ten years or longer.

Characteristic	Description
Scientific Name	Heros efasciatus
Common Name	Severum Cichlid
Size	Up to 20 cm (8 inches)
Temperament	Generally peaceful but can be territorial
Water Temperature	22-28°C (72-82°F)
Diet	Omnivorous; enjoys both plant-based and protein-rich foods
Tank Size	Minimum 200 liters (55 gallons)
pH Level	6.0-7.5
Compatibility	Can be kept with similar-sized, peaceful fish

The severum cichlid, or Cichlasoma severum, is an eye-catching and intriguing addition to any freshwater aquarium. For both inexperienced and seasoned fish keepers, this species stands out due to its vivid colors and unique patterns. It is essential to comprehend their needs and behaviors in order to establish a healthy atmosphere in which they can excel.

These fish are a popular choice because of their popular personalities and relatively hardy nature. Although they can tolerate a range of water conditions, they thrive in a well-kept tank with consistent parameters. It keeps them healthy and active to give them plenty of room and appropriate tank mates.

Keep in mind that severums prefer lots of swimming room and hiding places when setting up your aquarium. Their general well-being can be enhanced by adding live plants and decorations that replicate their natural habitat. They will remain in excellent condition and accentuate their inherent beauty with regular care and a balanced diet.

In conclusion, the severum cichlid is an enthralling fish that will make your aquarium a lot of fun. These fantastic fish will provide you with years of enjoyment if you take care of them properly and provide the right habitat. Their vivid colors and lively behavior will definitely catch your eye.

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