Cichlazoma severum

The Cichlazoma severum, also called the Severum cichlid, is a potentially ideal addition to your aquarium if you’re looking to give it a little color and personality. Because of their eye-catching look and interesting behavior, aquarium enthusiasts favor these colorful fish. They add a little bit of the wild into your home tank because they are native to the rivers of South America.

Severum cichlids are distinguished by their unique oval bodies and stunning coloring, which can vary from vivid yellows and greens to deep reds and browns. They stand out in any tank thanks to their striking patterns and colors. In addition, their length—up to 12 inches—guarantees that they won’t be missed!

These fish have intriguing personalities in addition to their attractive appearance. Severum cichlids have a high degree of social interaction and can develop close relationships with both their human caregivers and other tank residents. They’re an excellent option for both novice and seasoned fish keepers due to their comparatively simple upkeep. They do, however, have particular requirements that must be taken into account for their wellbeing in terms of tank size, water quality, and food.

We’ll delve into the world of Severum cichlids in this post, covering their needs for care, preferred habitats, and advice on maintaining their well-being. Understanding more about these gorgeous fish will help you design a healthy aquarium environment, regardless of experience level. Now let’s get going!

Care requirements and conditions of maintenance

Picture of Cichlazoma severum

Cichlazoma severum requires little upkeep. It is also immune to illnesses and temperature changes. For them, the aquarium’s comfortable volume is the most crucial factor. It’s interesting to note that fish will expand and grow longer in a narrow aquarium, while severums will grow wider and more discus-like in a high aquarium.

Only if you choose to breed severums can you encounter inconveniences.

Picture of Cichlazoma severum

In order to create a pair of producers, a school must be established. The pair forms independently during adolescence. After that, they are set up and need to be attached somewhere (give to friends, sell, and so on) due to the intraspecific aggression of the remaining Severums. You have the option to purchase a few manufacturers’ ready-made items right away.

It’s important to decorate the aquarium’s bottom when keeping Cichlasoma severum. In a sense, decorations like grottoes and stones should zone the aquarium and provide refuge for smaller fish.

Severums have a preference for plants, just like all other cichlazomas. On occasion, it appears as though they are pulling them out on purpose to chastise the owner. For severums, it is therefore preferable to purchase hard-leaved aquarium plants with a robust root system. Concurrently, give them careful rooting and surround them with stones. Rapidly growing plants like vallisneria and cryptocorynes can also be used.

Picture of Cichlazoma severum

Cleaning the aquarium is important. Even though the fish prefer "old water," strong aeration and filtration are still required. You must replace one-fifth of the aquarium’s water once a week. Severums don’t have a preference for certain types of lighting.

The most crucial factor is that there aren’t any overly high amounts of phosphates or nitrogen compounds in the aquarium. The primary issue with fish that novices overlook is this one. Pet illnesses and fatalities are primarily caused by ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and phosphates. Drop tests are something that every responsible aquarist should always have on hand, if only for phosphate and nitrate. Thankfully, they are now reasonably priced, and there are no issues with their acquisition or variety. You can get cheap Vladox tests in offline stores in your city.

Picture of Cichlasoma severum

It won’t be unnecessary to use preparations that neutralize dangerous substances when changing the water when there is a clean supply. For example, Tetra AquaSafe eliminates heavy metals and chlorine compounds while also including B vitamins, iodine, and other beneficial ingredients for aquariums. That is, you can use it to fill the aquarium with water without worrying about endangering your cherished pets.

The reputable FF online retailer Aqua Logo Shop is where you can buy the medications, gear, and other helpful items for an aquarist that were mentioned above. We advise against it!

Because cichlazomas are omnivorous fish, their diet is straightforward. Protein foods and plant foods should be roughly 70% and 30%, respectively.

We can suggest Tetra Cichlid XL Sticks or Tetra Cichlid XL Flakes as XL cichlid food in this regard. The protein and unique amino acid content of these meals completely satisfies the cichlids’ bodies’ requirements while also enhancing their natural color.

The gorgeous and versatile Cichlazoma severum, also referred to as the Severum cichlid, is a great addition to many home aquariums. This fish, which is well-known for its vivid colors and intriguing habits, does best in a clean, roomy aquarium that receives regular maintenance. Hobbyists can improve the well-being of the Severum fish and the overall aesthetics of the aquarium by creating a healthy and stimulating environment for it by being aware of its requirements regarding tank size, water quality, and diet.

Breeding and reproduction of the severum cichlazoma

Picture of Severum cichlazoma

Severum spawning is easy and comparable to the general cichlazoma family reproduction process. Raising the aquarium’s water temperature by two to three degrees Celsius and regularly adding fresh water to the tank (twice a week, one to four parts) are two ways to encourage spawning.

As previously stated, the two producers are formed separately. Between 1.4 and 2 years old is sexual maturity. Even at a young age of six months, it is possible to differentiate between a male and female severum! The dorsal fin is not pointed in females, but it is in juvenile males. Females’ dorsal fins "grow" and become pointier as they get older. Adult males are brightly spotted, with a distinct pattern on their heads and gill covers. Females have faded, nearly monotonous colors.

Spawning can occur both in a common aquarium and in a spawning pond from 150 liters. Before spawning, producers, as a rule, arrange mating dances – they “waltz” with their mouths locked. After which, the female lays eggs on a flat or inclined surface. The amount of eggs is determined by the frequency of spawning and ranges from 300 to 1000 eggs. The incubation period of eggs depends on the temperature of the aquarium water and in on average it lasts a week. During this period, both producers take care of the offspring – they select dead eggs, ventilate the clutch with fins. After that, larvae appear, which begin to swim after 7 days. Starter food microplankton, nauplii of brine shrimp, artificial food. The young grow slowly and only after a month reach a centimeter in size, by this time the color is also formed.

Interesting facts about severums

– Both male and female producers have the ability to secrete a unique secretion from the epithelium, which serves as food for the young. Raising serum fry is therefore generally not problematic. Sometimes, though, this might not occur because fish have adapted to living in aquariums or because the parents are just too indolent to feed the young.

– Cichlazoma severum can form monogamous (two females) pairs as well as opposite-sex pairs. As a result, these producers’ eggs do not become fertilized.

These and a variety of other fish are always available at the physical supermarkets Aqua Logo and the internet retailer Aqua-Shop. Live goods delivery is offered in Moscow and Missouri.

Cichlazoma severum is, in short, a beautiful addition to any aquarium. Fish enthusiasts love it for its vivid colors and fascinating behaviors. This species is a fantastic option for both novice and experienced aquarists because it requires little maintenance. Cichlazoma severum can flourish and enhance the beauty of your tank in the correct conditions and with the correct care.

Keep in mind that Cichlazoma severum prefer an aquarium with lots of swimming room and well-planted aquariums. Although they have a reputation for being calm, they can become territorial, so creating hiding places and boundaries can help deter any possible hostility. A balanced diet and frequent water changes are necessary to maintain their health and vibrancy.

All things considered, the Cichlazoma severum is more than just a fish—it’sa vibrant focal point for any aquarium. You can take advantage of their captivating presence and the special charm they bring to your aquatic world by providing them with the right care and surroundings.

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