The Severum Cichlid, which is also known as the Hero Cichlid, is an attractive species of aquarium fish that will grow up to 12-inches when properly cared for. Despite this fish’s size, it is still a fairly peaceful species, though it is important to have a tank that is of sufficient size to keep the Severum Cichlid comfortably.

 

This species of fish is native to the Northern Amazon and Guyana; these fish have a round body and tend to be brown to green in color when they are in the wild. Those that have been bred in captivity do come in different color variations. Some colors that you might find include red gold, red, blue and green.

 

When you keep the Severum Cichlid in a tank it should be at least 55 gallons or larger. This fish needs a lot of hiding places as it is in their nature to take refuge from predators; for this reason you will want to make sure that you add some driftwood and rock caves to the tank. If you have plants in your tank you should be aware that this species of Cichlid do have a tendency to dig, so be sure that your plants are securely fastened. In addition, this fish is extremely sensitive to water quality so it is important that you do water changes frequently, also you will need to keep the nitrate level as low as possible so it will have to be monitored closely. Test your water on a regular basis to ensure that it is not being contaminated with toxins.

 

To feed this fish you will need to keep flake fish food, as well as the frozen fish food that is especially designed for the Cichlid breeds. Bloodworms are also an adequate food for this species of fish.

 

Some information that you should be aware of if you intend to breed the Severum Cichlid includes the fact that these fish are open water breeders, plus they can become more aggressive when they are breeding. This is especially true when there are two or more males in a tank together.  

 

When you breed this fish you will want to do so in a separate tank; make sure you set up the tank specifically for breeding. To setup a breeding tank, put dark sand or gravel in the bottom of the aquarium. If you do have plants in this tank you will only want to add the floating variety, as this species of fish will be more likely to dig up your plants when they are breeding. You will also want to include hiding spots in the tank; this is important when the Severum Cichlid us getting ready to breed.

 

Getting the Severum Cichlid to pair off with a mate can take a great deal of time; this species of fish tends to be very selective when it comes to mating partners. It is likely that these fish will pair off temporarily several times before a pair does come together and actually breeds.

 

Once you do get a pair to breed, this will happen quickly. You will also find that these fish will be very protective of their fry for longer than most fish species. When the eggs are laid, it is not unusual to have around 100, so you can be sure that you will have several fry in the tank when they hatch. With so many fry it is important that you maintain good water quality, plus it is a good idea to keep the temperature of the tank at about 72F.

 

The Severum Cichlid is a beautiful breed of fish, and once you know what you are doing, they are also not too difficult to care for.