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Gold Severum (Heros severus)
Gold Severum
Please Note: Due to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image provided. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimen.
Please Note: Due to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image provided. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimen.
Gold Severum (Heros severus)
Additional locales and sizes may be available!
Additional locales and sizes may be available!

Quick Stats

Care Level Moderate
Temperament Semi-aggressive
Color Form Tan, Yellow
Diet Carnivore
Water Conditions 73-77° F, KH 4-5, pH 6.0-7.2
Max. Size 8"
Family Cichlidae
Minimum Tank Size 55 gallons
Compatibility View Chart
What do these Quick Stats mean? Click here for more information
Care Level Moderate
Temperament Semi-aggressive
Color Form Tan, Yellow
Diet Carnivore
Water Conditions 73-77° F, KH 4-5, pH 6.0-7.2
Max. Size 8"
Family Cichlidae
Minimum Tank Size 55 gallons
Compatibility View Chart
What do these Quick Stats mean? Click here for more information

Overview

The Gold Severum, also known as the Banded Cichlid, is a color variation of Heros severus Severum. Severum have an iridescent sheen to their scales and off-white to gold background color. The Gold Severum is a trusting fish, and will often accept food directly from their owner's hand.

The Gold Severum requires a 55 gallon or larger tank that is at least 40 inches long and 20 inches tall. The larger the tank the better. They prefer a lightly-planted tank with a soft bottom and a few rooted plants. Adding a few large rocks would be appropriate as long as there is still plenty of open room for swimming. The Gold Severum can be aggressive when spawning, and for this reason should only be housed with other semi-aggressive fish.

Differentiating between the male and female is very difficult. Positive identification can only be made after close examination of the genital papillae. The Gold Severum does not pair as readily as other South American Cichlids, and may take a bit longer. Providing the male with a choice of females will help. An open breeder, the female can lay as many as 1,000 eggs on rocks. The water should be mildly acidic, soft with a pH of 6.0-6.5 and a hardness of dH 5. The temperature should range from 73-77°F. The Gold Severum carefully tends to its fry.

The Gold Severum is a carnivore and will eat most prepared and frozen foods, including freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and ocean plankton, as well as flake food and Cichlid pellets.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1/2" to 1-1/2"; Medium: 1-1/2" to 2-1/2"

Customer Testimonials

Spencer P Vienna , VA
These fish are awsome. All my friends love them. I have 2 gold severums and they're tight. There good for beginners and they're not that agressive. They go good with festivums and triangle chichlids(Uaru). If you're thinking of getting them it is definately a good choice. Make sure you have at least a 30 gallon tank.
George G Luquillo , PR
I have three 7" Gold Severums with red fins in a 75-gallon tank. People who come to my home are shocked with their beauty. They are really fantastic!
Ann M Dearborn , MI
I bought two of these fish from Liveaquaria about a year ago now. They are doing great. They are peaceful as larger cichlids go and have great personalities. They do best in at least a 55 gallon tank. These fish are very trusting and eat out of our hands. Best part of all, if they can't eat it, they ignore it. I currently have my pair house with larger angelfish and some botias and all get along very well. These fish are hardy and peaceful, a great combination.
Michael H Henrico , VA
OKay, I'm selfish. I wanted to write here that these Gold Severum cichlids were just awful, lifeless, ugly, whatever... BUT I cannot LIE. These little Jewels are so darn Spunky and with a clear healthy sheen to them that seeing them, you would think that these precious and beautifully hued fish were miniaturized adult sevs in a large community aquarium, living like nothing at all is going on. They Definitely Own the place, are gorgeous, Not shy, even from the sonic boom from me knocking my head on the glass trying to oogle my babies, and also, only two days in my aquarium and they are all at the top begging for food. Definitely an awesome fish and I'm glad I went with my gut and LiveAquaria and ordered for the first time ever online for fish. I ordered Monday, and when I went to open my front door, at 9am, Tuesday, The fish were there sitting on my porch. From CA to VA. Impressive Company, All's I can Say !!! Thank You Again LiveAquaria, -Michael H, loyal customer for life
1-4 of 4 testimonials

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