Gold Severum

The Gold Severum is a selectively bred captive colour morph of Heros efasciatus, one of the most widespread Severum cichlids in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins. Through selective breeding, the dark lateral banding typical of the wild form has been reduced or eliminated, and the base coloration has been enhanced to a rich, uniform golden-yellow, often with reddish-orange highlights on the face and belly of mature males.

Heros efasciatus inhabits a wide range of Amazonian habitats including slow-moving rivers, floodplains, and flooded forest edges, typically in warm, slightly acidic to neutral soft water. The Gold Severum, while a captive creation, shares the same robust constitution and adaptable nature of its wild counterpart.

Gold Severums are large, deep-bodied disc-shaped cichlids reaching up to 20 cm. They are predominantly peaceful, though like most cichlids they become somewhat territorial when spawning. They are far less aggressive than species like Oscars or Green Terrors and can be kept in large community aquariums with other robust, similarly-sized species.

One characteristic worth noting is the Gold Severum's tendency to nip at very fine-leaved plants and browse on algae. Robust plant species fare better in tanks with this species. They are biparental open spawners and breed readily in the home aquarium when well-conditioned.

Tank Setup A minimum 200-liter tank is needed for one adult; pairs or groups require 350 liters or more. Use sandy or fine gravel substrate. Furnish with large driftwood, smooth rocks, and robust plants like Anubias and Java fern attached to hardscape. Provide open swimming space in the mid to upper water column. A reliable canister filter with good turnover is recommended.

Water Parameters Maintain temperature 23–29°C, pH 6.0–7.5, GH 4–15, KH 2–8. Gold Severums are adaptable to a range of conditions but prefer slightly soft, warm water. Perform 25–30% weekly water changes. Stable conditions are more important than achieving exact parameter targets; avoid sudden fluctuations.

Feeding Omnivorous; the Gold Severum's diet should include quality cichlid pellets, supplemented with spirulina-based foods to support the golden coloration, and protein sources such as frozen krill, bloodworms, and brine shrimp. Occasional blanched vegetables are accepted. Feed twice daily. Colour-enhancing foods with carotenoids help maintain the vivid golden hue.

Tankmates One of the better large cichlids for community setups. Compatible with other large peaceful to semi-aggressive South American cichlids, large Plecos, large catfish, and robust tetras. Avoid very small fish that may be eaten or harassed, and highly aggressive species that will bully the Severum. Multiple Gold Severums can often be kept together in large tanks with adequate territory.

Breeding Open spawners; the pair cleans a flat surface and deposits several hundred eggs. Both parents guard the eggs and fry attentively. Breeding triggers can include slightly raising the temperature and feeding conditioning foods. Fry can be raised on baby brine shrimp and crushed flake food from free-swimming stage.