The fascinating freshwater fish Severum, sometimes referred to as the "false discus," adds serenity and a pop of color to any aquarium. These fish, with their characteristic round shape and vivid orange colors, are frequently likened to a moon floating in the water. Their striking appearance and serene temperament make them a favorite among aquarists, both new and seasoned.
Severums are not closely related to discus fish, despite their nickname. They do, however, have certain things in common, like their kind disposition and ability to get along with a range of tank mates. They are a great option for people who want to add some elegance to their aquarium without having to worry about extensive maintenance because they are comparatively simple to take care of.
This post will discuss the special characteristics of the Severum, including their history, behavior, and the best practices for maintaining their well-being in a home aquarium. Find out why this "orange moon" is the ideal addition to create a calm and lovely atmosphere in your aquatic environment.
Feature | Description |
Common Name | Severum, False Discus |
Appearance | Bright orange color, round shape, resembles a discus fish |
Size | Up to 8 inches (20 cm) |
Temperament | Peaceful but can be territorial |
Tank Requirements | Minimum 55 gallons, lots of plants and hiding spots |
Diet | Omnivorous; enjoys pellets, vegetables, and live foods |
Water Conditions | Temperature 75-82°F, pH 6.0-7.5 |
Compatibility | Compatible with other calm, medium-sized fish |
- General information
- Appearance
- Habitat
- Species
- Red-shouldered Rotala (Heros sp. “Rotkeil”)
- Severum Gold (Hero Efasciatus "Gold")
- Red Pearls (Heros SP. “Red Spot”, “Red Pearl”)
- Green Gayan (Heros SP. “Guyana”)
- Blue Emerald (Heros SP. “Blau”, “Santarem”)
- Red-bellied (Mouthbreeder)
- Inirida severum (Inirida)
- Compatibility with other fish
- Aquarium
- Water
- Soil and algae
- Nutrition
- Video on the topic
- Red-spotted severum or false discus
- Aquarium fish Cichlazoma severum or false discus. Mating dance. Young pair of false #discuses
- Red-spotted severum
- Red-spotted severum or false discus, review 2
- Red-spotted severum or false discus, review 1
- False Discus (Severum). All About Pets.
- CICHLAZOMA SEVERUM or DISKUS FALSE.
General information
Severum can grow up to 20 cm in the wild, but it can only reach up to 16 cm in aquarium conditions.
The fish will live a long time and be fairly stable before illnesses if the owner has taken care of comfortable conditions.
Fascinating! The Australian naturalist Johann Natterra’s notes contain the earliest mentions of the fish.
Appearance
False Dispus have rounded bodies that are slightly suppressed from the sides, which enables them to move with great skill and gracefully reverse on a variety of obstacles.
Their plumage is elongated, and their dorsal and anal fins extend throughout their entire body, starting from the head.
The dominant gene and parent coloring determine which color the fish will have. The scales will be greenish if the dominant gene is predominant; yellow if the recessive gene is more likely to be present.
There are individuals known as albino severums who lack a dominant color gene. The large, clearly red-tinted iris of these cichlids is a striking feature.
Habitat
Severums were discovered by Johann Naterrer in the Amazon basin, but they can also be found in reservoirs in Guiana, Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia, and the upper Rio Negro.
Species
In their natural habitat, false discus can have a wide range of colors, depending on the location of the fish.
Finding a specimen with its natural color can be challenging because aquarium specimens tend to have much brighter colors than their wild counterparts. Let us enumerate the most prevalent types.
Red-shouldered Rotala (Heros sp. “Rotkeil”)
The name "severum" came from the large bright red-orange spot located behind the head line of this fish.
Olive green in tone, orange fins with crimson veins.
Severum Gold (Hero Efasciatus "Gold")
This Severomas representative is greater than others, such as discus. The fish has a huge, nearly flat, and extremely tall body. It has a golden-yellow hue. The males’ heads are marked with an orange patch.
Red Pearls (Heros SP. “Red Spot”, “Red Pearl”)
The fish is distinguished by its unique, crumbling color: round, tiny spots on the yellow body of a small scattering gave rise to its second name, the red Top Severum.
Green Gayan (Heros SP. “Guyana”)
Otherwise, Gayansky Severum. It has black specks and a distinct yellowish-green hue. In young animals, vertical stripes are easily noticeable.
Blue Emerald (Heros SP. “Blau”, “Santarem”)
This fish has a blue color or a blue with a faint green tint. Its body has noticeable vertical dark-colored stripes that, as it ages, will turn into spots.
Red-bellied (Mouthbreeder)
A large red spot on the abdomen and an olive color with a golden tint. In the tail, there is a dark patch.
Its spawning behavior sets it apart from other cichlazomas; for instance, the female holds the eggs in her mouth right up until the fry actually emerges.
Inirida severum (Inirida)
This cichlazoma bears the name Inirida, which is the left tributary of the Orinoco River. The severum has a slightly higher body than other varieties, and it is gray-brown in color with hints of olive and clear green.
On the sides, brown spots are clearly visible, and darker yellow spots are closer to the abdomen.
Compatibility with other fish
Fish that are thought to be relatively calm are cichlasomas. Generally speaking, they don’t act aggressively toward larger or similar aquarium inhabitants.
Small fish, however, may suffer since they will only be seen as an addition to the typical diet. Aggressive behavior tends to arise within groups, particularly when multiple individuals do not enter the reservoir simultaneously: veterans may exhibit hostility toward new arrivals.
Fascinating! Severums are able to identify their owner, come closer, and accelerate their speed, but when strangers approach, they respond with extreme caution and aggression.
Among the cichlazomas’s good neighbors are:
- discus;
- barbs;
- astronotus;
- large catfish.
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Many aquarists have fallen in love with this vibrant fish because of its extreme hardiness. Notable is the fact that even a novice can handle severeum maintenance.
Aquarium
Since the fish require a lot of room and will actively defend their territory from other aquarium occupants, the tank’s volume should be large.
Therefore, a pond that is at least 120 liters in volume, high, well-equipped with a filter and a strong compressor, is required for a pair of severums. Once a week, clean the aquarium’s bottom and replace the water up to one-third of its total volume.
Furthermore, a lid for the aquarium is required because Severum has the potential to fall out of the water and perish.
Water
Wednesday’s specifications are:
- temperature from 20 to 28 ° C;
- Acidity is neutral;
- stiffness is average;
- Lighting is not selected too bright: Severums prefer shaded reservoirs.
Soil and algae
More complex plants—cichlazomas—are not apathetic toward greenery and will consume anything they can get their hands on. The only plants that will be safe are those with hardy leaves that the fish cannot bite.
Stones should be used to shield algae roots since Severum can readily dig them up. In theory, cichlasoma prohibits the planting of any plants in aquariums; instead, you can use artificial grottoes and ornamental snags.
They work well with the soil:
- small pebbles;
- Elose granite baby;
- coarse sand;
- Artificial ground embosses.
Setting aside zones and visually dividing them with big stones or snags is crucial. Fish, it’s crucial that you recognize your boundaries and have a territory.
The Severum, also known as the "false discus," is a stunning orange fish that adds a calming, moon-like glow to any aquarium. With its gentle nature and vibrant color, it can transform your tank into a serene, peaceful oasis. Perfect for beginners and experienced aquarists alike, the Severum"s beauty and relatively easy care make it a wonderful choice for those looking to create a relaxing aquatic environment. The Severum, also known as the "false discus," is a striking fish that brings a touch of the exotic to any aquarium. With its vibrant orange color, reminiscent of a glowing moon, it is a visual delight that instantly captures attention. Its calm and gentle demeanor makes it a great choice for both new and experienced aquarium enthusiasts. Beyond its beauty, the Severum is also relatively easy to care for, thriving in a well-maintained freshwater tank with plenty of room to swim. Its peaceful nature allows it to coexist with a variety of other fish, making it a versatile addition to many community tanks. Adding a Severum to your aquarium can enhance both the aesthetic and the tranquil atmosphere of your space. Whether you are looking for a new centerpiece for your tank or a soothing aquatic companion, this "orange moon" can be a wonderful choice to create a serene and captivating environment. Feature Description Common Name Severum, False Discus Appearance Bright orange color, round shape, resembles a discus fish Size Up to 8 inches (20 cm) Temperament Peaceful but can be territorial Tank Requirements Minimum 55 gallons, lots of plants and hiding spots Diet Omnivorous; enjoys pellets, vegetables, and live foods Water Conditions Temperature 75-82°F, pH 6.0-7.5 Compatibility Compatible with other calm, medium-sized fish
Nutrition
Food with both plant and animal origins can be fed to cichlazomas.
Severum is a predator, so it naturally favors organic food like bloodworms, tubifex, and shrimp, but it should also eat plant supplements like nettle, lettuce, and dandelion that have been boiled first.
If your diet consists solely of dry foods, you must select those that have spirulina in them.
Video on the topic
Red-spotted severum or false discus
Aquarium fish Cichlazoma severum or false discus. Mating dance. Young pair of false #discuses
Red-spotted severum
Red-spotted severum or false discus, review 2
Red-spotted severum or false discus, review 1
False Discus (Severum). All About Pets.
CICHLAZOMA SEVERUM or DISKUS FALSE.