Cichlid
Care basics
Severums are deep bodied South American cichlids, sometimes sold as banded cichlids. Color varieties include gold and red spotted fish.
They do well in a tank with driftwood, rounded stones and tough plants such as anubias. Keep water clean and stable and feed a varied diet with greens.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Heros severus |
|---|---|
| Group | South American |
| Native to | Northern South America, including the Orinoco and Rio Negro basins |
| Adult size | About 8 inches |
| Tank size | 55 gallons for one, 75 gallons for a pair |
| Temperature | 75 to 84 F |
| pH | 6.0 to 7.5 |
| Temperament | One of the calmer large cichlids, but territorial when breeding. |
Sizes and ranges are typical hobby figures. Individual fish and local water vary, so test your water and ask your fish store about the specific fish you buy.
