The Gold Severum (Heros efasciatus) is a South American cichlid.
Origin:
- It is native to the Amazon River basin in South America, particularly the slow-moving parts of rivers with dense vegetation and submerged roots. Some sources specifically mention the area near Iquitos, northern Peru, and eastwards to the Solimões-Amazon River in Brazil.
Key Characteristics:
- Appearance: They are known for their vibrant golden-yellow body, sometimes with shades of green or blue. As juveniles, they are often uniformly gold, developing bright orange spots as they mature.
- Temperament: Gold Severums are generally considered peaceful for a cichlid of their size, making them suitable for community tanks with other non-aggressive fish of similar size. However, they can become territorial, especially during breeding.
- Size: They can grow to be around 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) in length.
- Tank Requirements: A minimum tank size of 200 liters (53 gallons) is recommended to provide ample swimming space and territories. They prefer a sandy substrate with plenty of hiding spots created by driftwood, rocks, and robust plants.
- Water Parameters: They thrive in warm water between 24-28°C (75-82°F), with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0-7.5. Soft to moderately hard water is ideal.
- Diet: Gold Severums are omnivores and require a varied diet including high-quality cichlid pellets, live or frozen foods (like brine shrimp and bloodworms), and vegetables (such as blanched spinach and zucchini).
In summary, the Gold Severum is a beautiful and relatively peaceful South American cichlid popular in the aquarium hobby due to its coloration and manageable temperament.
