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.
At a Glance
Tank Requirements
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Water Parameters
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Temperament & Compatibility
Available 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
Top Tank Mates
Wrestling Halfbeak
Dermogenys pusilla
🟢Ideal Tank MatesZebra Loach
Botia striata
🟢Ideal Tank MatesGiant Danio
Devario aequipinnatus
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Platydoras armatulus
🟢Ideal Tank MatesIridescent Shark
Pangasianodon hypophthalmus
🟢Ideal Tank MatesFire Eel
Mastacembelus erythrotaenia
🟢Ideal Tank MatesSeverum 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. An aquarium test kit can help you monitor these values.
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. Browse smooth aquarium gravel options to find the best fit.
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.
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)
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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.
Similar Species
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.
Discus
Symphysodon aequifasciatus
Known as the 'King of the Aquarium', Discus are stunning, heavily laterally-compressed cichlids. They are famous for their demanding husbandry, requiring high temperatures (28-32°C / 82-90°F), pristine water quality, and specialized diets. They are schooling fish that establish a strict pecking order and must be kept in groups to prevent intense bullying of a single weaker fish.
Kribensis
Pelvicachromis pulcher
A vibrant and highly popular dwarf cichlid native to the slow-moving rivers of West Africa. Unlike Rift Lake African cichlids, they prefer soft, slightly acidic water and densely planted tanks. They are generally peaceful in a community tank but become fiercely territorial and aggressive when breeding, often digging pits in the substrate and claiming the bottom zone. They are cave spawners and require hiding spots like driftwood or coconut shells.
Bolivian Ram
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
A hardy and relatively peaceful dwarf cichlid native to the Amazon river basin. Compared to the popular German Blue Ram, the Bolivian Ram is larger, much more forgiving of water parameters, and prefers slightly cooler temperatures. They are eartheaters (geophagine) that sift through the substrate for food, making soft sand an absolute requirement to prevent gill damage.
Green Terror
Andinoacara rivulatus
A large, incredibly colorful, and highly aggressive South American cichlid. Known for their striking metallic green/blue scales and vibrant orange or white tail margins. As their name suggests, they are highly territorial and require very careful tankmate selection, usually only coexisting with other large, robust cichlids or armored catfish in very large tanks.
Ramshorn Snail
Planorbidae fam.
Ramshorn snails are highly adaptable, peaceful invertebrates named for their shells, which resemble a coiled ram's horn. They are excellent clean-up crew members that consume detritus, uneaten food, and soft algae without harming healthy plants. Because they are hermaphroditic and can self-fertilize, they breed prolifically if an aquarium is overfed.