Severum

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Severum

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Perciformes
Family:	Cichlidae
Genus:	Heros
Species:	H. severus

Binomial name

Heros severus

The severum, Heros severus (previously known as Cichlasoma severum), is a freshwater tropical cichlid native to the Amazon region in South America. It is commonly found in the aquarium trade, often in its gold colored variation rather than the wild-type olive green one. The gold coloration appears to be caused by a single gene and is recessive to the green variation. The severum is also known as banded cichlid.

Severums in the aquarium trade may not be actual Heros severus but hybrids with Heros efasciatus.

As an aquarium fish, the severum is a relatively mild-tempered cichlid, although aggression is not uncommon. It grows to a length of 6-12 inches, is omnivorous, but will benefit from vegetable matter in its diet. Courgette, Peas, and Lettuce will be eaten with relish, as will commercially available herbivore foods. If sufficient green-matter is not included in its diet, it may eat aquarium plants. It can get along well with much smaller fish in a community aquarium - however it may eat fish that are small enough to fit into its mouth. When mating, severums become very aggressive and territorial. The pair will guard several hundred eggs, laid on a flat rock, and will tend to their fry for several weeks.

In general, this is a hardy and robust fish with lots of character, which deserves more popularity than it currently gets. However it does require a fairly large aquarium, with the usual neotropical cichlid requirements of good biological filteration and sound husbandry. Decor is not generally important, but the fish can be shy without some hiding places to retreat to, and care should be taken to ensure any rocks included do not harden the water too much as the fish originates from soft acidic water.