Can Severum and Tire Track Eel Live Together?

🟡Possible with Caution

Keeping Severum and Tire Track Eel together is possible but requires caution, though some care is needed. Provide a spacious tank of at least 816 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

Severum

Heros severus

Tire Track Eel

Mastacembelus armatus

🐠Family Group
Severum
Cichlids - South American
Tire Track Eel
Oddballs
Temperament
Severum
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
Tire Track Eel
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Severum
24–29°C
Tire Track Eel
22–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Severum
6–7.5
Tire Track Eel
6.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Severum
4–15
Tire Track Eel
5–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Severum
Freshwater Only
Tire Track Eel
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Severum
Moderate
Tire Track Eel
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 816 L
Severum
280 L
Tire Track Eel
680 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Severum
MiddleBottom
Tire Track Eel
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Severum
Plant DestroyerTerritorial (Defends specific area)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)
Tire Track Eel
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Jumper (Lid Required)NocturnalAggressive to same species/look-alikes

Behaviour & Temperament

Severum is a moderately assertive species (5/10), while Tire Track Eel is moderately assertive (6/10). This modest difference means Tire Track Eel may occasionally assert dominance over Severum.

Severum and Tire Track Eel both frequent the Bottom (Substrate) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

Worth noting: Tire Track Eel is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters. Also, Tire Track Eel is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: Provide a significantly larger tank (at least 50% more volume than the minimum) to allow both Severum and Tire Track Eel to establish separate territories. Add plenty of line-of-sight breaks using driftwood, rocks, and dense planting to reduce territorial confrontations.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 5–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range. An aquarium test kit is recommended for monitoring.

Tank Setup

To house Severum and Tire Track Eel together, plan for an aquarium of at least 816 litres with a minimum length of 180 cm. This accounts for the larger species' space requirements with an additional 20 % buffer to reduce territorial tension.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Sand (Sifters). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Find the right tank equipment

Browse tanks, décor, and equipment suited for this setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Severum and Tire Track Eel live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 816 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Severum and Tire Track Eel need?

A minimum of 816 litres (tank length at least 180 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.

What water temperature is best for Severum and Tire Track Eel together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 28°C. A target of around 26.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Severum or Tire Track Eel aggressive?

Severum is moderately assertive (5/10) and Tire Track Eel is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Severum and Tire Track Eel need?

Both species overlap in the 6.5–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

How do I manage Severum's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Severum space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding décor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.

Does Tire Track Eel being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Tire Track Eel is most active after lights-out, which naturally reduces daytime encounters with its tank mate. This can actually be beneficial, as both fish get undisturbed time to feed and explore. Just ensure food reaches Tire Track Eel during evening hours.


Related Comparisons