Turquoise/Green Severum - Heros Severus

Turquoise/Green Severum | A Stunning and Peaceful South American Cichlid

The Turquoise/Green Severum (Heros severus) is one of the most beautiful and rewarding cichlids available in the freshwater aquarium hobby. Native to the slow-moving, tannin-stained waters of the Amazon River Basin in South America, this large, disc-shaped cichlid is prized for its stunning colouration — a warm tan-gold body overlaid with an iridescent green-blue speckle and sheen that intensifies with age and good care. No two fish are quite alike, with considerable variation in the intensity and spread of the turquoise patterning between individuals.

Despite their size, Severums have a reputation as one of the more peaceful large cichlids available — personable, interactive, and genuinely dog-like in their behaviour toward their keepers. They quickly learn to recognise the people who feed them and will readily eat from the hand, making them a deeply rewarding long-term aquarium companion.

Turquoise/Green Severum Care Guide

Care at a Glance

• Scientific name: Heros severus
• Also known as: Banded Cichlid, Hero Cichlid, Severum
• Adult size: 8–10 inches (20–25 cm) in the aquarium, up to 12 inches (30 cm) in the wild
• Minimum tank size: 55 gallons for a single fish — 100 gallons or more recommended for a community setup
• Temperature: 75–84°F (24–29°C)
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Nitrate: below 30 ppm
• Lifespan: 10+ years with good care
• Best kept in groups of 4 or more, or as a bonded pair in a species-only setup

Turquoise Severum Tank Setup

A spacious, well-decorated aquarium with plenty of hiding spots, driftwood, caves, and open swimming space suits these fish perfectly. Sand or fine substrate is strongly preferred — Severums are enthusiastic diggers and will rearrange their environment to suit themselves, so don't be alarmed when they redecorate! Severums prefer dimmer lighting and thrive in a blackwater-inspired setup with Indian almond leaves, driftwood, and tannins. Hardy plants such as Java Fern, Anubias, and mosses can be used, though softer-leaved plants may be uprooted or nibbled. Strong filtration and regular bi-weekly water changes are essential — these are large, heavy-feeding fish that produce significant waste.

Feeding Your Turquoise Severum

Omnivores with a notably frugivorous diet — in the wild, Severums consume a high proportion of plant matter, fruit, and vegetation alongside invertebrates. In the aquarium, offer high quality cichlid pellets as a staple and supplement generously with blanched vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, peas, and cucumber. Frozen or live foods such as bloodworm and brine shrimp make excellent treats. Variety is essential for maintaining colour, immune function, and long term health.

Turquoise Severum Tank Mates

• Angelfish and other large, peaceful South American cichlids
• Silver Dollars and larger tetras such as Congo Tetras and Black Skirt Tetras
• Blood Parrot Cichlids and Oscar Cichlids in larger setups
• Corydoras, Hoplo Catfish, and robust bottom dwellers
• Avoid small fish and small invertebrates that may be eaten, especially at night
• Avoid highly aggressive cichlids that may bully or injure them
• Exercise caution with pairs during spawning — territorial behaviour intensifies significantly during breeding