Rotkeil Severum 4cm

Rotkeil Severum

Rokeil severums make for a fantastic, bright alternative to Oscars, Uaru, and some of the more conventional larger South American cichlid species. These fish reach around 30cm and have a beautiful, vibrant assortment of colours, a docile temperament and a fun personality which makes them a must-have for mixed South American cichlid tanks. Rotkeil severums have a classic large cichlid oval body shape and are laterally compressed.

They do however get quite bulky as adults which makes them a great showpiece fish. Out of nearly all the available Severums species in the aquarium hobby, the Rotkeil severum tends to be one of the prettiest with its bright green body colour that is overlaid with broken black barring and flashes of red past the gill plate and fins. The red streak just after the gills also gives these fish the name red shoulder Severum.

These fish are a true gentle giant and get along with a wide range of community fish which is what makes them such a great showpiece fish. Breeding Rotkeil severum cichlids in the home aquarium is relatively easy. It’s usually best to get a group of 6 or more fish to see if they naturally pair off, males tend to develop a light nuchal hump and have longer, pointed fins than females. They will find a smooth surface to lay eggs and then proceed to guard them until they are free swimming. If you have experience breeding species like convict cichlids or angelfish, then Rotkeil severums will be a breeze.

Tank Recommendations for your Rotkeil Severum
Rotkeil severums will reach around 30 cm when fully grown. Because of this, it is best to keep them in a tank with a minimum volume of 450 litres as they do prefer to be with members of their species. They will however eat plants so the ideal tank setup would be to have a sandy substrate, river stones, caves, and driftwood for cover. Once settled in these fish will be a very personable species and spend a lot of time out in the open.

Suitable Tank Buddies
The Rotkeil severums are relatively peaceful with mild territorial aggression. They can be kept with fish smaller in size than them however the general rule to follow is to avoid any super small or slow-moving fish.

Usually Compatible
Festivum, chocolate cichlids, silver sharks, Brochis corydoras, leporinus, blue Acara, silver dollars, and other larger peaceful species.

Sometimes Compatible
Black widow tetras, Congo tetras, Kribensis, and smaller species fast species.

Rarely Compatible
Incredibly aggressive species such as red devil cichlids. Tiny species like endlers may also pose the risk of becoming prey

Feeding your Rotkeil Severum
Festivums are incredibly easy to feed. They take to a wide range of foods and should have a varied diet for optimal health. Giving them an assortment of flakes, pellets, and frozen and live foods will not only make them thrive but also show off amazing colours. Because of their mostly top-dwelling nature, they should be given foods that readily float for them to eat easily.