Green Severum 4cm

The Green Severum is one of the most popular South American cichlids in the aquarium hobby, often chosen as a more peaceful alternative to larger aggressive cichlids. Known for their round body shape, calm temperament and subtle but beautiful colouration, these fish make an excellent centrepiece for larger community aquariums.

Green Severums display a soft olive-green to golden body colour with faint vertical barring that becomes more noticeable depending on mood and lighting. As they mature, subtle iridescent blue and gold speckling may appear across the body and fins, giving them a gentle shimmer under aquarium lighting. Their rounded, discus-like body shape and slow graceful swimming style make them a visually calming presence in the aquarium compared to more aggressive cichlids.

Sexing is moderately difficult, though males may develop slightly longer dorsal and anal fins and more intense colouration. Severums are substrate spawners and will form pairs, laying eggs on flat surfaces such as rocks or driftwood and guarding them closely.

Tank Recommendations for your Green Severum

A minimum aquarium size of 200 litres or larger is recommended due to their size and territorial behaviour as they mature. A planted aquarium with driftwood, rocks and open swimming space works well. While they may nibble on softer plants, hardy species can still be used effectively.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Green Severums are peaceful for their size but still require carefully chosen tank mates.

Usually Compatible

Silver dollars, geophagus species, larger tetras, peaceful catfish and other similarly sized South American cichlids.

Sometimes Compatible

Angelfish, blue acara and other semi-aggressive cichlids that can coexist in larger aquariums.

Rarely Compatible

Small nano fish or highly aggressive cichlids, which may either be eaten or cause stress.

Feeding your Green Severum

These fish are very easy to feed and will accept a wide variety of foods. The ideal diet would be a quality cichlid pellet, supplemented with frozen foods and some plant matter such as spirulina or blanched vegetables.