Severum
Heros severus
Severums are large, deep-bodied South American cichlids often called the 'Poor Man's Discus'. They are relatively peaceful for their size compared to other large cichlids, but they are notorious plant destroyers with a highly herbivorous diet. They require spacious aquariums with excellent filtration.
Severum At a Glance
Severum Tank Requirements
Will Severum fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Severum needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Severum against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Severum Water Parameters
Severum Temperament & Compatibility
Severum Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard (Wild Type / Green)
The natural wild coloration, featuring a greenish-brown base with faint vertical banding that becomes more pronounced depending on mood.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Green Severum, Wild Type Severum
Gold / Red Spotted
A highly popular selectively bred color morph lacking the dark banding, ranging from solid yellow/gold to heavily covered in bright red spots.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Gold Severum, Red Spotted Severum, Super Red
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Young Severums are often sold at 2-3 inches. They can temporarily be housed in smaller aquariums but will grow rapidly and require at least a 75-gallon (280L) tank as adults. They should not be kept with fish small enough to fit in their mouths as they grow.
Differs in 6 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby Severum
Severum Care Guide Summary
The Severum, scientifically known as Heros severus, belongs to the Cichlids - South American family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 25 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Severum requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 280 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 29°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 4–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Severum is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 3 varieties: Standard (Wild Type / Green), Gold / Red Spotted, and Juvenile (Grow-out). Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Severum Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Severum, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels and driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured and live planted layouts may be difficult to maintain, as this species tends to uproot or consume vegetation.
Severum Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Severum is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Who Severum Is Actually For
Severum is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide someone who understands its individual space requirements. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially driftwood.
The most common mistake is buying Severum for looks first and only later discovering how its adult size, behavior, or bioload changes the whole tank plan. Another frequent problem is forcing it into an over-busy community when it would do better with more room or more deliberate tankmate choices.
Severum Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Severum.
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
180 Gallon Standard
350 Liter (120cm Deep)
Show 1 more tank size
Frequently Asked Questions About Severum
How big does Severum get?
Severum (Heros severus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 25 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Severum need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 280 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Severum. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Severum need?
Severum thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–29°C, a pH between 6 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 4–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Severum peaceful or aggressive?
Severum is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 5 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
Can Severum live alone?
Yes, Severum can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Severum have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Severum benefits from driftwood (digestion/hiding) and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Useful setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- April 28, 2026
- Last updated
- April 28, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Plants That Suit Severum
These plants pair well with Severum based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Belinda's Buce
Bucephalandra belindae
Buce Motleyana
Bucephalandra motleyana
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Dwarf Buce
Bucephalandra pygmaea
Fish Similar to Severum
Redhead Severum
Heros sp. Rotkeil
A striking, deep-bodied South American cichlid known for the intense red/orange coloration on its head and shoulders. While generally considered a 'gentle giant' compared to other large cichlids, it is highly territorial during breeding. They are notorious herbivores that will enthusiastically consume most live aquatic plants.
Banded Cichlid
Heros notatus
Often sold as the Spotted Severum, this large South American cichlid is prized for its disc-like shape and the striking spots and bands along its lower half. They are native to the blackwater Rio Negro basin. While generally considered 'gentle giants' in the cichlid world, they are opportunistic predators that will eat any fish small enough to fit in their mouths. They are also notorious for devouring live aquarium plants.
Uaru
Uaru amphiacanthoides
A large, relatively peaceful but highly gregarious South American cichlid. Often kept with Discus due to their shared need for very warm, pristine, acidic water. They are notorious herbivores that will devour almost any aquatic plant, and they actually require grazing on driftwood for proper digestion. They must be kept in groups.
Festivum
Mesonauta festivus
A peaceful, deep-bodied South American cichlid that makes a great, hardier alternative to the Discus or a peaceful companion for Angelfish. They feature a distinct black diagonal band running from their mouth to the top of their dorsal fin. They are an inquisitive species that often look up towards the surface, but they are notorious for eating soft aquarium plants.
Jurupari Eartheater
Satanoperca jurupari
The Jurupari Eartheater is a remarkably peaceful South American cichlid famous for its continuous substrate-sifting behavior. They require a fine sand substrate to thrive and prevent damage to their delicate gills. Unlike highly aggressive cichlids, they are gentle giants that prefer the company of their own kind in a large, uncrowded community of similar-sized peaceful fish.
Banded Apistogramma
Apistogramma bitaeniata
A stunning South American dwarf cichlid native to the blackwater streams of the Amazon basin. Known for their distinct dual lateral stripes, they are a bottom-dwelling species that requires soft, acidic water, sandy substrate, and complex environments with caves or leaf litter. They are generally peaceful in a community tank but highly territorial towards other bottom-dwellers, especially when breeding.