Severum

Heros efasciatus

Severum (Heros efasciatus) — Varies care, Peaceful, under Other. Minimum tank in the app: 65 US gal min; aim for 72–84°F and pH 6.5–7.5. Severums appeal to aquarists seeking a striking centerpiece fish with a dynamic personality, suitable for larger setups.

Severum (Heros efasciatus) in a planted freshwater aquarium
Care levelVaries
TemperamentPeaceful
Min tank size65 US gal min
pH range6.5–7.5
Temperature72–84°F
Max size11.8 in (30.0 cm)
Captive lifespan8–12 years
SchoolingNo

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

South America

  • South America

Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.

Severum Tank Setup

Create a spacious environment with plenty of hiding spots and visual barriers to reduce territorial disputes. Use a fine substrate to facilitate foraging, and consider moderate water flow to mimic their natural habitat. Lighting should be balanced to avoid creating stark contrasts that might stress the fish, while a well-planned layout promotes exploration and reduces competition for space.

What Do Severums Eat?

As omnivores, Severums can eat a variety of foods, but they may compete for food if kept with faster or more aggressive feeders. Offer a balanced diet including high-quality pellets, frozen foods, and vegetables to enhance their health and coloration.

Severum Tank Mates

Ideal companions for Severums include similarly sized, semi-aggressive species that occupy different swimming zones. Avoid overly aggressive or fin-nipping species that could provoke stress. Severums can coexist well with other cichlids, but ensure they are not outmatched by more dominant tank mates, and monitor interactions closely, especially during breeding periods.

Are Severums Good for Beginners?

Care demand varies with setup and individual fish; use the numbers above as your baseline. Aquarists often underestimate the space requirements for Severums, leading to stress and aggression when housed in smaller tanks. neglecting filtration can exacerbate waste accumulation and health problems.

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.

Log tests and reminders in App-aquatic—free, same data you see here.