Heros Severus

Scientific Name: Heros severus
Common Name: Severum Cichlid
Origin: Amazon River basin, South America (Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela)
Adult Size: ~20–25 cm (8–10 in)
Lifespan: ~8–12 years
Temperament: Semi-peaceful; can become territorial, especially during breeding

Minimum Tank Size: 75 gal for a pair (larger for groups or community setups)
Layout:
Driftwood and large rocks to create structure
Open swimming space (they are mid-water swimmers)
Moderate planting (they may nibble soft plants)
Use hardy plants (Anubias, Java fern) or floating plants
Dim lighting preferred (tannins help replicate natural habitat)
Substrate:
Sand or fine gravel (not overly important, but natural look preferred)

Temperature: 25–29 °C (77–84 °F)
pH: 6.0–7.5 (adaptable, but prefers slightly acidic water)
Tankmates:
Suitable with medium-sized peaceful to semi-aggressive fish
(e.g., larger tetras, Geophagus, peaceful cichlids, silver dollars)
Avoid very small fish (may be eaten)
Avoid aggressive or highly territorial species