Convict Fish (Heros severus) — 3-4cm

Overview

The Gold Severum stands as one of the most attractive and hardy South American cichlids available to UK aquarium fish uk enthusiasts, combining stunning golden coloration with a relatively peaceful temperament uncommon among larger cichlids. Heros severus originates from the Amazon and Orinoco river basins throughout South America, where they inhabit slow to moderately flowing waters with abundant vegetation and structural complexity. The gold variety has been developed through selective breeding to enhance the brilliant yellow-gold pigmentation that creates their eye-catching appearance.

Reaching approximately 20cm when fully grown, gold severum fish require spacious aquariums that accommodate their size while providing adequate swimming room and territory. Unlike many large cichlids that become increasingly aggressive with maturity, severums generally maintain semi-aggressive temperaments suitable for carefully planned community setups with appropriately sized tankmates. Their omnivorous diet, hardy nature, and interesting behavioral repertoire make them excellent choices for aquarists ready to move beyond smaller community species into larger tropical fish for sale online uk.

Appearance

Gold Severum cichlids display brilliant yellow-gold coloration throughout the body, with individual scales reflecting light to create a metallic sheen. The depth of gold varies between specimens, with some showing pale yellow tones while others exhibit rich, deep golden-orange hues. Faint vertical banding may appear in some individuals, particularly when stressed or displaying, though the overall impression remains predominantly golden.

The body shape is characteristically deep and laterally compressed, typical of many South American cichlids. Mature specimens develop fuller foreheads, particularly in males. Dorsal and anal fins are proportionate and flowing, complementing the rounded body profile. Eyes are relatively large with golden or orange irises that blend harmoniously with body coloration. The caudal fin is fan-shaped with a rounded trailing edge. Juveniles show less intense gold coloration that develops fully over several months as they mature under proper care.

Natural Habitat

Wild Heros severus populations inhabit slow to moderately flowing rivers, tributaries, and associated pools throughout the Amazon and Orinoco basins, favoring areas with fallen trees, submerged roots, and aquatic vegetation. These environments typically feature soft to moderately hard water with slightly acidic to neutral pH, contrasting with the extremely soft blackwater conditions many Amazonian species require. The moderate hardness tolerance makes severums more adaptable than sensitive species like discus.

Water temperatures in their native range remain consistently warm, generally between 24-29°C. The combination of structural complexity from woody debris and living plants provides shelter from predators while supporting diverse prey populations. Severums graze on biofilm, algae, plant matter, and small invertebrates in these habitats. Seasonal water level fluctuations dramatically alter available habitat, requiring adaptability that contributes to their hardiness in captivity.

Aquarium Setup

A minimum aquarium volume of 200 litres provides adequate space for a pair or small group of gold severums, with larger tanks supporting more substantial populations and reducing territorial conflicts. These active swimmers appreciate both horizontal swimming space and adequate height for their deep body profile. Aquascaping should create open swimming areas while providing robust plants and driftwood for shelter and territory definition.

Hardy plants that tolerate some nibbling work best, as severums may sample vegetation particularly when vegetable matter is lacking in their diet. Anubias species, Java fern, Amazon swords, and Vallisneria typically survive well. Smooth rocks and driftwood create territorial boundaries and visual interest. Efficient filtration with moderate flow maintains excellent water quality while replicating their natural environment. Substrate choice is flexible, though smooth gravel or sand prevents injury as they forage. Good lighting promotes plant growth and enhances their metallic gold coloration.

Feeding

Omnivorous feeders, gold severum fish thrive on varied diets incorporating both plant and animal matter. Quality cichlid pellets formulated for omnivorous species should form the dietary foundation, supplemented regularly with spirulina-based foods that support coloration and provide plant nutrition. Blanched vegetables including zucchini, cucumber, spinach, and peas offer essential fiber and satisfy their natural grazing behavior.

Supplement the base diet several times weekly with protein-rich frozen or live foods including bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and earthworms. This variety maintains optimal health, supports immune function, and enhances the intensity of their golden coloration. Avoid overfeeding rich protein foods, as excessive animal protein can lead to digestive issues and water quality problems. Feed adults twice daily, offering portions they consume within 2-3 minutes. Allowing some algae growth on aquarium surfaces provides natural grazing opportunities.

Behaviour

Gold severums display calm, deliberate behavior that contrasts with the hyperactivity of many similarly sized cichlids. They establish loose territories and explore their environment methodically, investigating decorations and plants while foraging for food. Hierarchies form in groups, with dominant individuals claiming preferred areas through subtle displays rather than violent confrontations. Their semi-aggressive temperament means occasional territorial disputes, particularly during breeding, but serious aggression remains uncommon in properly maintained aquariums.

These intelligent cichlids recognize their keeper and often come to the front glass during feeding times or when approached. They can be trained to accept food from hands with patience. Pairs form from groups and may spawn in community settings, becoming more territorial and protective of spawning sites and fry. Body language includes color changes, with stressed or subordinate fish showing darkened coloration and prominent vertical bars.

Tank Mates

Gold severum tank mates should be selected from medium to large, semi-aggressive to peaceful species capable of holding their own without triggering defensive behavior. Other South American cichlids for sale uk of similar size and temperament including Geophagus species, larger Acaras, and other severum varieties work well in spacious aquariums. Large peaceful catfish including plecos and Synodontis species add activity at lower levels without competing for mid-water territory.

Silver dollars make excellent companions, sharing similar water requirements while their size prevents predation. Robust schooling tetras like Buenos Aires tetras or Congo tetras work in very large aquariums. Avoid housing with small fish under 5cm that severums may view as prey, very aggressive cichlids that stress severums through constant confrontation, fin-nipping species, and tiny shrimp or snails that will be eaten. Very delicate or slow-moving species may become stressed by the severum's size and activity level.

Breeding

Gold severum breeding occurs more readily than many larger cichlids, with pairs forming naturally from groups maintained together. Bonded pairs become obvious through constant proximity and synchronized swimming. They spawn on flat surfaces including smooth rocks, slate tiles, or broad leaves, with both parents cooperating to clean the chosen site meticulously. The female deposits several hundred adhesive eggs in neat rows while the male follows immediately to fertilize them.

Both parents guard and fan the developing eggs, which hatch in approximately 72 hours at 27°C. The larvae remain attached to the spawning surface initially, then may be moved to pre-dug pits in the substrate. Parents continue guarding as fry become free-swimming after 5-6 days. Initial foods include infusoria or commercially prepared liquid fry foods, progressing to newly hatched brine shrimp as they grow. Breeding success requires excellent water quality, soft, clean water, and a quiet tank location free from disturbances. Remove fry or parents if predation becomes problematic.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

Tropical Fish Co offers premium gold severum cichlid specimens to UK aquarists seeking beautiful, hardy cichlids for sale uk that thrive in spacious community setups. Every severum fish undergoes thorough health screening to ensure strong appetite, perfect finnage, vibrant coloration, and active behavior before joining our available inventory. Our south american cichlids for sale uk selection includes various size options suitable for immediate introduction to established aquariums or for growing out in dedicated systems.

When you buy cichlids online uk from our gold severum collection, you receive comprehensive care guidance covering water parameters, feeding, compatibility, and breeding information to support long-term success. We understand that healthy stock from reliable sources forms the foundation of successful fishkeeping. Our freshwater fish uk arrives securely packaged with temperature-controlled shipping and reliable courier partnerships ensuring safe delivery throughout the UK. Whether you're seeking a stunning centerpiece for a large community aquarium or quality breeding stock, Tropical Fish Co provides exceptional gold severums at competitive prices. Trust us as your source for these magnificent South American cichlids that will bring brilliant color, interesting behavior, and years of enjoyment to your tropical aquarium.