Green Severum
Native Location: Amazon basin, South America
Climate: Tropical
Maximum Size: 25cm
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Diet: Omnivore
Breeding: Easy
Temperature Range: 23-27.5℃ (75-82℉)
Preferred pH Range: 6.0-6.5
Minimum Aquarium Size: 100cm x 45cm x 45cm
Potential Tankmates: Plecos, Corydoras, Swordtails, Barbs
Care Level: Moderate
The Green Severum is a highly sought-after fish in the world of fishkeeping due to its reputation as one of the most peaceful large cichlids. They are known for their generally non-aggressive nature and tend to live harmoniously with their tank mates. These enchanting creatures are initially from the lakes and tributaries of the Amazon Basin in South America.
Although not a true representative of the mouth-brooding "Severum" species (Heros Severus), Green Severums have a unique allure; they grow larger than their mouth-brooding counterparts, making them a captivating presence in any aquarium. However, their vibrant breeding colours truly set them apart - their bellies, anal fins, and pelvic fins glow with an intense orange-red hue, beautifully offset by their bright red eyes and luminous green bodies adorned with subtle vertical bands.
Male Green Severums have extended anal, dorsal, and pelvic fins that enhance their visual appeal. In addition, their faces and operculum are marked with unique worm-like patterns, adding a touch of intrigue to their overall appearance.
To keep Green Severum fish, you need a 200-litre aquarium or larger if adding other fish. Use fine sand or smooth gravel substrate and provide structures for shelter. Green Severums like live plants, but they tend to eat them. Use prolific species like Anacharis, Cabomba, or Hornwort. Due to their size, use high-quality filtration and maintain slightly acidic, soft water. They appreciate areas of shade and plenty of hiding places, too. Always keep with tank mates of comparable size.
The Green Severum fish are omnivorous and typically consume insects, small crustaceans, and vegetation in their natural habitat. They prefer vegetable matter and can be fed peas, lettuce, chopped zucchini, and cucumber. It's also essential to supplement their diet with a variety of meaty and vitamin-enriched foods, such as live, frozen, or freeze-dried ghost shrimp, bloodworms, mealworms, earthworms, crickets, and nutritional Cichlid and algae (Spirulina) based pellets. It's recommended to feed them once or twice a day.
Breeding Green Severum can be lengthy, as the fish may take some time to pair up. The parents will clean a flat rock surface or section of driftwood, where the female will lay between 200 and 800 eggs. The male will fertilize the eggs, and then the female will tend to them while the male patrols the perimeter.
After 3-5 days, the eggs will hatch, and the fry will be relocated to a pre-dug pit in the substrate. The fry will be free-swimming within a week, and crushed flake food and baby brine shrimp can be fed. It's important to note that breeding Green Severum can take a while to get right, and it's not uncommon for the parents to eat the fry during the first dozen or so attempts.
If unsuccessful attempts continue, it may be necessary to remove and raise the fry separately. Breeding Green Severum is relatively easy but may require patience and persistence.
Dead on Arrival (DOA) Policy: In the unfortunate event that your fish arrives dead, please follow these steps: Within 12 hours of the delivery, take clear, unopened bag pictures showing the deceased fish. Send these photographs and your order number to our customer service email at getfish@thefishroom.co.nz or to our Facebook page, and we will then offer a refund or store credit for the cost of the fish.
Two-Week Guarantee Policy: We stand behind the health and quality of our fish, which is why we offer a two-week guarantee starting from the day of delivery. If your fish dies within this time frame, follow the following procedure: Take clear photos of the deceased fish. Using a reliable test kit, document water parameters (pH, ammonia, nitrate, nitrite levels) via a dated image. Please email us the photographs, water parameters, and order number to getfish@thefishroom.co.nz or our Facebook page. After reviewing your claim, if approved, we will issue a store credit for the cost of the fish. Our two-week guarantee does not cover fish deaths due to unsuitable water conditions, incompatible tank mates or "disasters", i.e. a heater overheating. To prevent such situations, we recommend thoroughly researching each fish species' needs before introducing them to your aquarium.
Freight Charges: Please note that shipping or freight charges are non-refundable under all circumstances. We hope this guide makes our refund and guarantee process more understandable. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please get in touch with us at getfish@thefishroom.co.nz. We are always happy to assist. Thank you for choosing The Fish Room. Happy fishkeeping!
All our fish are quarantined on arrival for two weeks. During this time, we treat any health issues that may occur during transport and ensure each fish is eating well and looking healthy. All fish are treated with Flubendazole before finally going on sale.
