{"product_id":"turquoise-green-severum-heros-severus","title":"Turquoise\/Green Severum - Heros Severus","description":"\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTurquoise\/Green Severum | A Stunning and Peaceful South American Cichlid\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eDespite 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTurquoise\/Green Severum Care Guide\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare at a Glance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eScientific name: Heros severus\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eAlso known as: Banded Cichlid, Hero Cichlid, Severum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eAdult size: 8–10 inches (20–25 cm) in the aquarium, up to 12 inches (30 cm) in the wild\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eMinimum tank size: 55 gallons for a single fish — 100 gallons or more recommended for a community setup\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eTemperature: 75–84°F (24–29°C)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003epH: 6.0–7.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eNitrate: below 30 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eLifespan: 10+ years with good care\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eBest kept in groups of 4 or more, or as a bonded pair in a species-only setup\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTurquoise Severum Tank Setup\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding Your Turquoise Severum\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eOmnivores 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTurquoise Severum Tank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eAngelfish and other large, peaceful South American cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eSilver Dollars and larger tetras such as Congo Tetras and Black Skirt Tetras\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eBlood Parrot Cichlids and Oscar Cichlids in larger setups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eCorydoras, Hoplo Catfish, and robust bottom dwellers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eAvoid small fish and small invertebrates that may be eaten, especially at night\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eAvoid highly aggressive cichlids that may bully or injure them\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eExercise caution with pairs during spawning — territorial behaviour intensifies significantly during breeding\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Poseidon Aquatics And Plants","offers":[{"title":"2-3\"","offer_id":48439000137950,"sku":null,"price":34.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0645\/4768\/4574\/files\/Photo_c76bf674-ca83-49a4-aa92-26174c534b16.png?v=1741201181","url":"https:\/\/poseidonaquaticsandplants.com\/products\/turquoise-green-severum-heros-severus","provider":"Poseidon Aquatics And Plants","version":"1.0","type":"link"}