Turquoise serverum - Heros efasciatus “Turquoise"

By: The Red Severum

Serverum Cichlid - Copyright www.jjphoto.dk

Species Name: Heros efasciatus “Turquoise"

Common Names: Hero severus, Turquoise serverum

Synonyms: None

Family: Cichlidae

Order: Perciformes

Class: Actinopterygii

Max Size: 20 cm / 8 inches

Environment: Fresh Water

Origin: The severum comes from South America, found in Rio Negro River and the Amazon.

Temperament: The turquoise severum is very often found in the aquarium trade. It can be found at most local fish stores; that being said, the turquoise severum is a great fish and awesome for a South American community Cichlid tank. They have great personality and almost become like a "dog". They are very passive fish, but will stick up for one another against other fish, which makes them great for a medium-sized tank.

Company: Turquoise severums do best in pairs in a tank by themselves. It should be at least 55 gallons / 200 L. If kept in pairs in a tank full of other fish, it can cause aggression problems, and lead to deaths if you are not watchful.

Water Parameters: pH 7.0-7.5, temperature 22-25 ° C / 74-80 ° F

Aquarium Setup: A turquoise severum tank should have lots of hiding spots. There should be caves and driftwood. Like said before, you will need a 55 gallon / 200 L for a pair and 100 gallon / 400L if you want to house them with other fish. Strong plants like ferns and mosses can be used in an aquarium with turquoise severums but other plants might not take it. The turquoise severum prefer sand as a bottom substrate. Don't be alarmed when they make there own aquascape to suit themselves.

Feeding: The turquoise severum usually take all prepared foods, and should have veggies in there diet. Live food once a week is a good treat.

Breeding: Breeding turquoise severum is not that hard. Just make sure you get a pair, have a big enough tank, and have a piece of slate in the tank.