Description

The Gold Severum Cichlid (Heros efasciatus)

The Gold Severum, a stunning colour variation of the Wild Green Severum (Heros efasciatus), is a popular and rewarding addition to the larger community or cichlid aquarium. Native to South America, these fish are known for their generally peaceful nature compared to many other cichlids, though they still possess the personality and intelligence characteristic of the family. This guide outlines the essential care requirements for maintaining a healthy and vibrant Gold Severum.

Key Characteristics

• Size: Adults typically reach between 20 to 25 centimetres (8 to 10 inches) in captivity.
• Lifespan: With excellent care, they can live for 10 to 15 years.
• Colouration: The Gold Severum is primarily a bright, almost uniform yellow-gold or orange-gold. Unlike the wild type, which has dark barring, the Gold morph generally lacks this prominent patterning. They often display faint facial markings and bright blue or green iridescence around the fins.
• Temperament: Generally peaceful for a large cichlid, but they can become territorial, especially during spawning. They are semi-aggressive and should not be housed with very small or delicate fish.

Natural Habitat and Distribution

Heros efasciatus originates from the Amazon River basin, specifically throughout the Rio Negro and Solimões River systems and their tributaries in Brazil, Guyana, and Colombia. They typically inhabit slow-moving, dark-water areas, often found amongst submerged roots, fallen branches, and dense vegetation.

Aquarium Requirements

Tank Size

Due to their large adult size and need for space to establish territory, a generous tank size is mandatory:

• Minimum Tank Size: A single adult Gold Severum requires a minimum of 280 litres (around 75 US gallons).
• Pairs/Groups: For a pair or small group, a tank of 450 litres (120 US gallons) or larger is strongly recommended to minimise aggression.

Water Parameters

Severums are sensitive to poor water quality. Weekly partial water changes (25-30%) are essential for removing nitrates.

Décor and Substrate

The tank setup should provide a balance between open swimming space and defined territories.

1. Substrate: Fine sand is ideal, as Severums enjoy sifting and moving the substrate. Avoid sharp gravel.
2. Hiding Spots: Use large pieces of driftwood and smooth rocks to create caves and visual barriers. This is crucial for diffusing aggression, particularly among pairs.
3. Planting: While they can be housed with plants, Severums may nip at or uproot softer species. Opt for hardy, robust plants like Anubias (attached to wood), Java Fern, or larger sword plants. Ensure any rooted plants are well-protected or weighted down.

Diet and Feeding

The Gold Severum is primarily herbivorous, but its diet should be varied to include vegetable matter, protein, and prepared foods.

• Staple Foods: High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes formulated for herbivorous/omnivorous fish.
• Vegetable Matter: This is vital. Offer blanched peas, courgette, spinach, and high-quality spirulina flakes or wafers regularly.
• Protein (In Moderation): Live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, earthworm, krill, or bloodworms can be offered occasionally as a treat, but too much protein can lead to health issues like ‘bloat’.

Feed once or twice daily, only offering what they can consume in a few minutes.

Social Behaviour and Compatibility

Severums are known as “substrate spawners” and their behaviour changes drastically during breeding periods, becoming fiercely protective and aggressive towards tankmates.

• Schooling: Juveniles are comfortable in small groups, but adult pairs may prefer to be housed alone or with other large, robust fish.
• Compatible Tankmates:
  • Large, peaceful catfish (e.g., Pictus or common Plecostomus)
  • Large, robust Characins (e.g., Silver Dollars or Congo Tetras)
  • Other similarly-sized, peaceful South American Cichlids (e.g., Geophagus species or Green Terrors)
  • Medium to large Barbs (e.g., Tinfoil Barbs).

Fish to Avoid: Any small, delicate, or slow-moving species (like small tetras, Guppies, or overly long-finned fish) should be avoided, as Severums may view them as food or harass them.

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