Discover the complete severum care guide: tank setup, lifespan, size, diet, tank mates, and types of severum. Learn how to keep your severum cichlids healthy and thriving with expert tips.
When I first got into fishkeeping, I was drawn to flashy African cichlids. But over time, I found myself fascinated by severums—often called the “peaceful cichlids” of South America. They have that classic cichlid personality but without the constant aggression.
👉 Quick Answer: Severum care requires a 55+ gallon tank, stable warm water, a balanced omnivore diet, and compatible tank mates. They grow to about 8 inches and can live 8–10 years with proper care.
Their curious nature and striking colors—especially the gold and turquoise varieties—make them a joy to watch. But to get the best from them, you need to understand their unique care requirements.
Severum Size and Max Size
👉 Short Answer: Severums typically grow 6–8 inches, with some reaching up to 10 inches in large tanks.
Severums start small when young, often just a couple of inches, but don’t be fooled. Within a year, they can double or triple in size. Their full-grown size depends heavily on diet, tank size, and overall care.
💡 Tip: Always plan your tank for the max size, not the juvenile size. A cramped tank leads to stunted growth and increased aggression.
Severum Lifespan
👉 Short Answer: With proper care, severums can live 8–10 years.
That’s a decade of commitment. Like many cichlids, their lifespan is closely tied to water quality and diet. I’ve kept one that lived just shy of 11 years, and the secret was consistency—weekly water changes and a varied diet.
Think of them as long-term pets rather than short-term additions.
Severum Tank Setup
👉 Short Answer: Severums need at least a 55-gallon tank with warm, clean water, plenty of swimming space, and driftwood or plants for cover.
Tank Requirements:
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Tank Size: 55 gallons minimum (75–90 gallons preferred for pairs).
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Aquascape: Driftwood, live plants, and caves. Severums love shaded areas.
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Substrate: Sand or fine gravel (they dig occasionally).
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Filtration: High-quality filter with strong biological capacity. They’re big eaters and produce waste.
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Lighting: Moderate—avoid harsh lighting, as severums like shaded areas.
Water Parameters:
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Temp: 75–82°F
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pH: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
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Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2–12 dGH)
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Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
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Nitrates: <20 ppm
Severum Diet
👉 Short Answer: Severums are omnivores, thriving on a mix of pellets, vegetables, and occasional protein.
Best Foods for Severums:
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Staple Pellets: Hikari Cichlid Gold is a great base diet.
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Veggies: Blanched spinach, zucchini, peas. They love greens.
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Algae Wafers: Great for fiber and digestion.
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Frozen/Live Foods (Occasional): Bloodworms, brine shrimp, krill.
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Spirulina Flakes: Enhance color and health.
💡 Feeding Tip: Severums can be greedy. Offer 2–3 small meals per day instead of one large feeding to avoid bloating.
Severum Tank Mates
👉 Short Answer: Severums are semi-aggressive and do well with other medium-to-large peaceful fish.
Good Tank Mates:
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Angelfish
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Silver dollars
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Larger tetras (Buenos Aires, Congo)
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Geophagus cichlids
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Plecos
Avoid:
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Small fish (neon tetras, guppies—likely snacks).
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Highly aggressive cichlids (Oscars, Jack Dempseys—too competitive).
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Fin-nippers (serpae tetras, tiger barbs).
💡 Experience Note: I kept mine with silver dollars, and they got along beautifully. But when I added a male Jack Dempsey, the tension skyrocketed. Choose wisely!
Types of Severum
👉 Short Answer: There are several types of severums, each with unique colors and patterns.
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Gold Severum: Bright yellow-gold, very popular.
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Green Severum: Natural wild coloration, greenish with dark bars.
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Red Spotted Severum: Gold body with striking red speckles.
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Turquoise Severum: Vibrant blue-green, rare and stunning.
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Rotkeil Severum: “Red shoulder” severum with a bold orange patch.
💡 Pro Tip: If you want a centerpiece fish, a red spotted severum under good lighting is a showstopper.
Severum Temperament and Behavior
👉 Short Answer: Severums are curious, semi-aggressive, and interactive with their owners.
Unlike some cichlids, they’re not constant fighters. But they will defend their territory, especially when breeding. They often greet their owners at the glass and may even take food directly from your fingers.
Their behavior is part of what makes them so rewarding—intelligent, social, and full of personality.
Breeding Severums
👉 Short Answer: Severums are substrate spawners and form monogamous pairs.
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Pairing: Best to grow 6 juveniles together and let pairs form naturally.
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Spawning Site: Flat rocks or broad leaves.
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Clutch Size: 300–500 eggs.
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Parental Care: Both parents guard and fan the eggs.
Watching severums raise fry is amazing. Unlike many fish, they actively protect their young.
Common Severum Health Issues
👉 Short Answer: Severums are hardy but can suffer from ich, hole-in-the-head disease, and dietary issues.
Common Problems:
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Ich: White spots, treat with heat + medication.
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Hole-in-the-Head (HITH): Linked to poor diet and water quality. Prevention = clean water + vitamins.
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Bloating: Overfeeding or too much protein.
Quick Severum Care Guide
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Tank Size: 55+ gallons
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Max Size: 8–10 inches
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Lifespan: 8–10 years
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Diet: Omnivore—pellets, veggies, occasional protein
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Tank Mates: Silver dollars, angelfish, Geophagus
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Temperament: Semi-aggressive, curious
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Water Needs: Warm, soft to neutral water
FAQ: Severum Care
Q: How big do severums get?
A: Most severums reach 6–8 inches, but some can grow to 10 inches in large, well-kept tanks.
Q: Are severums aggressive?
A: They’re semi-aggressive. They can defend territory but are generally calmer than many cichlids.
Q: Can I keep severums with small fish?
A: No. Small tetras, guppies, and similar fish are likely to be eaten.
Q: What’s the best diet for severums?
A: A mix of high-quality pellets, veggies, and occasional frozen/live protein.
Q: How long do severums live?
A: With proper care, severums can live 8–10 years.
Q: Do severums eat plants?
A: They may nibble soft plants. Stick to hardy species like Java fern or Anubias, or use artificial plants.
Final Thoughts: Why Severums Make Fantastic Pets
The severum cichlid strikes a perfect balance—colorful, interactive, and bold without being overly aggressive. They’re a great choice if you want the personality of a cichlid without the chaos of an Oscar or Mbuna tank.
👉 Recap:
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Grows up to 8–10 inches.
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Needs a 55+ gallon tank with clean, warm water.
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Omnivorous diet with a mix of pellets, veggies, and occasional protein.
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Semi-aggressive but suitable for community setups with medium/large tank mates.
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Can live up to a decade with proper care.
For me, severums have always felt like “the best of both worlds.” They bring the intelligence and personality of larger cichlids, but they’re far easier to manage in a community setup. If you’re looking for a centerpiece fish that will reward you with years of interaction, the severum is a fantastic choice.