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Severum

Heros efasciatus Heckel, 1840

Also called Gold severum (colour form)

SpeciesShort profile

From South America: the Amazon basin, in the Ucayali and Amazon rivers of Peru and the Solimoes-Amazon main channel in Brazil, also recorded from the Rio Xingu.12

At a glance the quick version

Length17 to 25 cm12
Sizelarge
Mild-mannered for a big cichlid
Eats fruit and plants as well as small prey
Available in an attractive gold form
23

Looks how to spot one

Large, disc-shaped cichlid

A tall, laterally flattened cichlid with a rounded outline. Males grow larger, carry markings on the gill covers, a small head hump and longer fin tips.2

Coloursolive green (wild type)gold (ornamental form)32

Personality what they are like

Generally easygoing outside breeding time and suits a calm South American community; keeping a few together tends to keep the mood relaxed.2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A steady, unhurried swimmer that likes calm, deep water with roots and branches to cruise around.21

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Undemanding; keep good filtration, change water regularly and offer some greens in the diet.2

Home where they are happiest

Warm water of about 22 to 29 C (FishBase gives up to 32 C), soft to medium, slightly acidic to neutral; a tank of at least 120 x 45 x 45 cm (about 240 litres).21

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Omnivore that leans towards plant food: quality dried foods, bloodworm, earthworm and prawn, plus blanched spinach and spirulina-based foods.21

Company who they like around

Does best in a small group so pairs can form naturally; good with other peaceful, medium to large South American fish.2

The story where it all began

Johann Jakob Heckel described the species in 1840. It is a long-standing aquarium favourite, now often sold in its gold colour form as well as the wild olive-green look.13

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It is one of the few cichlids that regularly eats fruit, especially when flooded forests open up in the wet season.3

  2. 2

    A spawning pair can lay up to about 1,000 eggs on a flat stone or root.1

  3. 3

    Both parents guard the eggs and young together.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List
Least Concern (assessed 19 November 2020)1
Taxonomy
Described by Heckel in 1840; family Cichlidae1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Severum. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Severum?

Feed your Severum small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding, and it's best to offer only what they can eat in a couple of minutes.2 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Severum eat, and what should it never eat?

Severums are omnivores that lean toward plant food, so offer quality dried foods, bloodworm, earthworm, prawn, and blanched spinach or spirulina foods. Never give them anything with added chemicals or human food, and always check with a vet or good breeder for specific no-go items.21

How much space does a Severum need?

A Severum needs a tank of at least 120 x 45 x 45 cm, which is about 240 litres. This gives them room to swim calmly and explore.21

What temperature, light or water does a Severum need?

Keep the water warm, between 22 and 29°C (up to 32°C is possible), soft to medium hardness, and slightly acidic to neutral. Provide calm, deep water with roots and branches, and moderate lighting.21

How often should I clean a Severum's home?

Change about 25% of the water weekly, and test the water each week. Clean the glass and rinse the filter in old tank water monthly, never use tap water. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Severum live with others?

Yes, Severums are generally easygoing and do best in a small group so pairs can form naturally. They suit a calm South American community with other peaceful, medium to large fish.2

How long does a Severum live?

The lifespan of a Severum varies, so ask a good breeder or exotic-pet vet for specific guidance. With proper care, they can live many years.

Can I handle a Severum?

It's best not to handle a Severum, as they are delicate fish and handling can stress or injure them. Enjoy watching them swim calmly in their tank.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FishBase: Heros efasciatus fishbase.seused for distribution, size, weight, water parameters, IUCN, biology
  2. Seriously Fish: Heros efasciatus seriouslyfish.comused for habitat, size, tank size, water, diet, behaviour, dimorphism, breeding
  3. Wikipedia: Heros efasciatus en.wikipedia.orgused for colour forms, frugivory

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.