Explore Severum Fish Care: Types, Fun Facts & How to Care for Them!

Discover why Severum Fish are a top choice for aquarium enthusiasts with their striking colors and gentle nature. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced aquarist, dive into this essential guide for Severum fish care, their origins, ideal tank setups, and more. Start your journey to a thriving aquarium today!

1. What is Severum Fish?

It is the Severum fish (scientific name: Heros efasciatus) is an aquatic species that is native to the slow-moving waters of Amazon River Basin in South America. Famous for their vibrant colors and easy-care, Severum fish are ideal for novice and experienced fishkeepers.

2. Different types of Severum Fish

There are a variety of Severum fish, each renowned for its distinctive color and patterns:

Green Severum Fish: the Green Severum Fish is popular for its vibrant green coloration and suitability for community tanks.
Red Spotted Severum Fish: Known for its striking red spots over a greenish base.
Gold Severum Fish: A golden variation with a lighter, more brilliant appearance.
Copper Severum Fish: Features a copper or bronze tint.
Rotkeil Severum Fish: Characterized by a reddish-orange "neck" area.
Turquoise Severum Fish: Has a vibrant turquoise hue on its scales.
Mouth Breeding Severum Fish: A type known for its unique mouthbrooding reproductive method.
Heroic Severum Fish: A robust species with an ancient, heroic appeal.
Electric Blue Severum Fish: A stunning blue variant with neon-like intensity.
Albino Severum Fish: A pale, almost white variety due to lack of pigmentation.
Chocolate Severum Fish: Deep brown in color, resembling chocolate.
Super Red Severum Fish: Vivid red coloring throughout its body.
Platinum Severum Fish: A sleek, silvery-white variant.
Red Shoulder Severum Fish: Distinguished by a red shoulder area near the gills.

Each of these Severum Fish varieties offers unique colorations and characteristics, making them popular choices among aquarium enthusiasts.

3. Severum Fish Care Guide

Severum fish are fairly robust However, they require proper care to maintain their health and longevity.

Tank Setup and the Ideal Water Condition

Tank Size: The size of a Severum can be to 8 inches long, which is why at a minimum, 55 gallon tanks are advised.
Water Temperature: They prefer temperatures ranging between 75degF to the 82degF range (24degC up to 28degC).
Water pH: Keep a pH range between 6.0 to 7.5 to ensure optimal health.
Water Hardness: Water that is soft to moderately hard (up 10-dGH) is the ideal.

Decorations & Habitat

Severum fish love a well-lit tank with lots of hiding places. Utilize driftwood, rocks, or aquatic plant life to recreate your natural surroundings. They also prefer free space to swim in and swam, so make sure you don't overcrowd the tank.

Substrate: A sandy, soft substrate is the best choice to avoid harming their delicate fins.

Lighting: Lights that are moderately dim mimic the natural habitat of rivers.

4. Best Diet for Severum Fish

The Severum species are known as omnivores meaning they can eat various kinds of food. To ensure that they have a healthy diet ensure that they are fed the following:

Pellets and Flakes: Cichlid pellets of high-quality or flakes.

Vegetables: Severum fish love blanched spinach, lettuce, and zucchini.

Live/Frozen Foods: Shrimp, bloodworms and daphnia supply protein that is essential.

Feeding them twice daily in small amounts will ensure they are healthy and active.

5. The ideal tankmates suitable for Severum Fish

Severum fish tend to be peaceful, however they can exhibit territorial behavior when they are breeding. Good tank mates include:

Angelfish
Plecos
Geophagus
Silver Dollars
Corydoras

Do not pair them with aggressive or small fish, such as Tetras, which could be viewed as a source of food.

6. Fun facts about Severum Fish

Color-Changing Capability: Severum fish are able to alter their color based on their mood as well as the surrounding.
Mouth Brooders: In the wild Female Severums are often seen carrying eggs in their mouths to protect themselves.

Long Lifespan: If properly cared for, Severum fish can live for 10, if not more!

7. Temperament and Behavior

Severum fish are generally calm, but they may become aggressive during mating, or when protecting their territorial. They are social with large peaceful fish, however they may be aggressive towards smaller fish when there isn't enough space.

Wild Behavior: in the wild Severum species prefer quiet slow-moving water and typically are located in swamps which they eat tiny bugs, plants and other debris.

8. Where Did Severum Fish Originate From?

Severum fish are native to in the Amazon River Basin, particularly in the slow-moving water of floodplains and rivers located in South America. They live in a natural environment full of plants as well as soft substrates. They also have slightly acidic waters, which is the reason re-creating similar habitats in the aquarium you have is crucial to their health.

Conclusion

Severum fish are an excellent addition to any aquarium at home. With the right care, proper tank setup, and a healthy diet, the fish will thrive and add beauty to your tank for a long time. If you're attracted by their vivid colors or serene natural beauty, Severum fish are sure to stand out in any aquascape.

If you're seeking to know more about the care of fish or want to get connected with other fish lovers, make sure to check out our community of fish and be sure to share the details of your Severum stories with us!