Severum
Heros severus
Minimum Tank
55 Gallons
Adult Size
10 inches
Temperature
73-84°F (23-29°C)
pH Range
6.0-7.5
Lifespan
10 years
About Severum
The severum is a large, disc-shaped cichlid from the Amazon basin and rivers of northern South America, sometimes called the poor man's discus for its similar body shape and manageable care requirements. Wild severum are olive-green to gold with subtle dark vertical banding, while captive breeding has produced stunning varieties including gold, red shoulder, and rotkeil (red-headed) forms. Severums are intelligent, personable fish that develop individual personalities and readily interact with their keepers. Despite reaching up to 10 inches, they are among the more peaceful large cichlids, making them suitable for community tanks with appropriately sized tankmates. Their combination of beauty, personality, and relative ease of care makes them a popular choice for keepers seeking a large, engaging centerpiece fish.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 55-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 73-84°F (23-29°C)
- • pH: 6.0 - 7.5
- • Category: Cichlid
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Severums need a large tank of at least 55 gallons, with 75 gallons or more preferred for adult fish or pairs. They are one of the few large cichlids that can be kept in planted tanks, as they are less destructive than oscars or Jack Dempseys, though they may nibble on soft plants. Provide driftwood and some rocky structures for territory. Feed quality cichlid pellets, frozen foods, and supplement with vegetable matter like blanched peas, spinach, and spirulina, as they are more herbivorous than many cichlids. Keep water temperature at 75-84°F. They are generally peaceful but may become territorial during breeding. Pairs can be slow to form but are devoted parents.
Quick Facts
208L
Min Tank (55gal)
25cm
Adult Size (10")
10yr
Lifespan
1+
Can Keep Solo
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Severum
Related Species You Might Like
Peacock Cichlid
Aulonocara sp.
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma cacatuoides
Kribensis
Pelvicachromis pulcher
Jack Dempsey
Rocio octofasciata
Electric Blue Acara
Andinoacara pulcher var.
Tank Mates for Severum
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Flying Fox
Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus
moderate · 40+ gal
Rainbow Shark
Epalzeorhynchos frenatum
moderate · 55+ gal
Firemouth Cichlid
Thorichthys meeki
easy · 30+ gal
Kribensis
Pelvicachromis pulcher
easy · 20+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other moderate-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Severum need?
A Severum needs a minimum tank size of 55 gallons (208 litres).
What water parameters does a Severum need?
Severum thrive in water between 73-84°F (23-29°C) with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
Are Severum easy to care for?
Severum are considered moderate to care for. They are semi-aggressive fish with a lifespan of about 10 years.
How big do Severum get and what do they eat?
Severum reach about 10 inches and are omnivores. Severums need a large tank of at least 55 gallons, with 75 gallons or more preferred for adult fish or pairs. They are one of the few large cichlids that can be kept in planted tanks, as they are less destructive than oscars or Jack Dempseys, though they may nibble on soft plants. Provide driftwood and some rocky structures for territory. Feed quality cichlid pellets, frozen foods, and supplement with vegetable matter like blanched peas, spinach, and spirulina, as they are more herbivorous than many cichlids. Keep water temperature at 75-84°F. They are generally peaceful but may become territorial during breeding. Pairs can be slow to form but are devoted parents.