Turquoise Severum is a striking South American cichlid with vivid coloration and a calm temperament, ideal for community tanks of 200 liters or more.
Overview
Heros efasciatus, commonly known as the Turquoise Severum or Banded Cichlid, is one of the most recognizable South American cichlids in the aquarium hobby. Its natural range spans the Amazon Basin and the rivers of Guyana, where these fish inhabit slow-moving tributaries and flooded forest areas rich in vegetation and submerged wood.
The Severum has a tall, laterally compressed body that gives it a distinctive disc-like silhouette. Adults reach 15--25 cm and live 5--10 years with proper care. Coloration ranges from olive-green to turquoise, with dark vertical bars that are especially prominent in juveniles. In mature males, the bars often fade, and a reddish or orange pattern appears on the gill covers. Thanks to its relatively peaceful temperament for a cichlid and a moderate care level (2 out of 5), the Severum is an excellent choice for aquarists taking their first steps into cichlid keeping.
A close relative is the common Severum, from which Heros efasciatus differs by its more intense coloration and slightly larger size.
Tank Requirements
A tank of at least 200 liters is required to house a pair of Severums. These fish are active during the day and need ample swimming space, so elongated aquariums at least 120 cm long are preferred.
Optimal water parameters:
- Temperature: 24--28 °C
- pH: 6.0--7.5
- General Hardness (GH): 4--10
Fine sand or smooth gravel works best as substrate, since Severums enjoy digging through it. Decorations should include large pieces of driftwood and rocks that create shelters and divide territories. Live plants are acceptable, but choose hardy species (Anubias, Echinodorus) attached to decorations -- delicate plants may be damaged or uprooted.
Filtration should be robust: an external canister filter rated at 4--6 tank volumes per hour will provide the necessary water quality and moderate current. Weekly water changes of 25--30 % will help maintain parameter stability.
Feeding and Diet
Heros efasciatus is an omnivorous species with a notable preference for plant matter. In the wild, Severums feed on algae, fallen fruits, small invertebrates, and insects.
In the aquarium, the staple diet should consist of high-quality pellets or sticks designed for large cichlids with a high plant content. Additionally recommended:
- Vegetable supplements: blanched spinach leaves, zucchini slices, green peas, spirulina.
- Protein additions (2--3 times per week): bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, small shrimp -- frozen or live.
- Dry flakes and crisps for variety.
Feed Severums 1--2 times daily in small portions that the fish consume within 2--3 minutes. A varied diet emphasizing plant-based foods promotes vibrant coloration and strengthens the immune system.
Care and Maintenance
The Severum is a fairly hardy fish, yet stability of water conditions plays a key role in its health. Regular weekly water changes (25--30 %) and parameter monitoring with test kits are essential parts of routine care.
Special attention should be given to preventing Hole in the Head disease (HITH), to which many large cichlids are susceptible. The most common causes are elevated nitrate levels, a monotonous diet, and vitamin deficiency. Keeping nitrates below 20 mg/l, offering a varied diet, and adding vitamin supplements significantly reduce the risk.
The substrate should be periodically vacuumed to remove leftover food and waste. Filter media should be rinsed in drained tank water as needed. Lighting can be moderate -- Severums do not require bright light and feel more comfortable under subdued illumination or with shaded areas available.
Compatibility
The Severum has a moderate temperament (3 out of 5 on the aggression scale), making it one of the most compatible cichlids for a community setup. However, during spawning, a pair may display territorial behavior.
Good tank mates for Severums:
- Large characins: Silver Dollars, Congo tetras.
- Peaceful cichlids of comparable size: Angelfish, Festivums.
- Catfish: Plecostomus, Bristlenose, Corydoras.
- Loricariid catfish and large barbs.
Not recommended with:
- Small fish (neon tetras, guppies) that the Severum may treat as food.
- Aggressive cichlids (large Oscars, Green Terrors) that may bully the Severum.
- Slow-moving, long-finned species that may become targets for fin-nipping.
To reduce conflicts, ensure adequate tank volume and use decorations to create distinct zones within the aquarium.
Breeding
Breeding Heros efasciatus in the home aquarium is entirely achievable and presents moderate difficulty (3 out of 5). Sexual dimorphism is subtle: males are generally larger, have more elongated dorsal and anal fins, and display a more vivid pattern on the gill covers.
To stimulate spawning:
- Gradually raise the temperature to 27--28 °C.
- Increase water change frequency to simulate the onset of the rainy season.
- Provide flat surfaces for egg laying (large rocks, ceramic tiles, broad leaves).
Severums are substrate spawners. The female lays 200--400 eggs on the prepared surface, after which both parents actively guard the clutch. Incubation takes 3--5 days, and the fry become free-swimming 4--6 days later. Parental care in this species is well developed: both parents protect their offspring for several weeks.
Starter foods for fry include baby brine shrimp, microworms, and later crushed flakes and fine granules.