Gold Severum Cichlid

Scientific Name: Heros efasciatus — Gold variety

The Gold Severum is a selectively bred color variety of the popular South American Severum Cichlid. Instead of the darker green coloration of the standard form, Gold Severums develop a bright creamy-yellow to golden body, often accompanied by orange or reddish markings across the face and body as they mature.

Severums are among the more manageable larger South American cichlids. They're generally mild-mannered compared with highly aggressive species such as Green Terrors or Jack Dempseys, although adults can become territorial—particularly when a breeding pair forms. They also grow considerably larger than they appear as juveniles, so customers need to plan for their adult size.

Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive / Generally Peaceful
Purchase Size: Approximately 1–2 inches — Juvenile
Adult Size: Approximately 8–10 inches, with larger specimens possible
Minimum Tank Size: 65–75+ gallons recommended
Temperature: 72–84°F
pH: 5.5–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Captive-bred color variety; parent species originates from South America.

Recommended Setup: Provide a spacious aquarium with plenty of open swimming room along with driftwood, branches, rocks, and sheltered areas. Sand makes an excellent substrate. Gold Severums may dig and can eat or damage softer aquarium plants, so hardy plants or plants attached to hardscape are better choices. Strong biological filtration and regular maintenance are important as these fish grow.

Feed a varied omnivorous diet consisting of quality cichlid pellets or flakes with plenty of vegetable matter. Spirulina-based foods, shelled peas, and blanched greens can be supplemented with foods such as bloodworms, chopped earthworms, shrimp, and other appropriately sized frozen foods.

Please Note: You are purchasing a juvenile Gold Severum approximately 1–2 inches in size. Juveniles will be substantially smaller and may display less intense coloration than mature specimens. Their gold coloration, orange/red markings, body depth, and fin development will continue to develop as they mature. Juveniles are sold unsexed unless otherwise specified.

All livestock from Felipe’s Fish is carefully selected and prepared for safe transport. Please review our shipping and Live Arrival Guarantee policies before ordering.