Gold Severum

The Gold Severum (Heros efasciatus) is a popular, hardy, and relatively peaceful South American cichlid with a vibrant golden-yellow color, ideal for large community tanks. Growing up to 8–10 inches, they require a tank of at least 55–75 gallons, omnivorous food (including vegetables), and 73-84°F for temperature.

Key Information & Care:

Size & Lifespan: 8–10 inches (adult). They can live up to 10 years.

Tank Requirements: 55–75 gallon minimum for an adult, with plenty of open swimming space and some hiding spots.

Diet: Omnivores. A varied diet of high-quality flakes/pellets, frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp), and vegetables like seaweed.

Temperament: Generally peaceful, though considered "semi-aggressive," especially during breeding. They are excellent for large community tanks with similar-sized tankmates like Angelfish, Blue Acara, and other South American cichlids.

Breeding: They are substrate spawners, laying up to 1,000 eggs on flat surfaces. They form pairs from groups of juveniles.

Appearance: A leucistic variant of the green severum, exhibiting a bright yellow/gold body, sometimes with red spotting (particularly in "Red Spot" variants).

Best Practices:

Tank Mates: Good companions include large tetras, silver dollars, and other peaceful to semi-aggressive South American fish.

Environment: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral, soft-to-medium hard water.

Handling: They can be shy initially but often become personable, sometimes feeding from their owner's hand.