Severum tsikhlazoma - care and maintenance in the aquarium

Another representative of the cichlid family is Severum cichloma. Bright, memorable, not requiring special content for its content. Today we will consider everything that affects the representatives of this breed group. The varied color makes cichloma a desirable for every aquarist who contains a species aquarium. Due to the fact that this fish looks like a discus, people called Severum a false discus.

Varieties and Description

Fish prefer to settle in South America, like calm and deep-sea rivers. Under natural conditions, representatives of this species reach a length of about 30 cm. However, under aquarium conditions, the fish grows up to 20 cm, and lives about 10 years.

As for color, it varies depending on where the fish swim. The color can be brown, light brown, with dark dots along the body, etc. Actually, the water pets contained in the aquarium are much more colorful and varied. Because in this matter, the main thing is the appearance.

The following are the most popular and sought-after colors of Severum:

1. Red pearls. The dense body is covered with red dots on a bright yellow background. For their external data, fish are brought into aquariums around the world, their popularity does not subside.
2. Gold. All shades of yellow, males are much brighter than females. There is an orange mask on the head, but this is not a prerequisite.
3. Red-shouldered (red-headed, rocktail). A little below the head is a strip painted in orange-red. The fins are pigmented in the same shade.
4. Blue emerald. Another popular variety of Severum. Fish are famous for their emerald blue color, their body is painted in dark spots. It looks very expressive.
5. Red dot. Representatives of the subspecies have an almost golden color. From the name you can understand that their difference is the presence of red dots located on the entire case.

It is worth noting that, depending on the gender, the fish can be dull or, conversely, saturated. Females in most cases lack brightness in coloration, which cannot be said of males. They are so saturated that you can admire endlessly.

Gender difference

The male can boast of pointed fins on the back and in the anus, while in females these fins are rounded. Also, in the male, the frontal part protrudes more strongly.

Individuals of female gender are endowed with an interesting color of gill covers. They have no dots randomly drawn. Instead, an even shade flaunts. The dorsal fin, in turn, has a speck of dark color.

It is most difficult to identify which individual is in front of you if it is painted in bright colors. Typically, such representatives do not have points on the gill covers at all, and this applies to both females and males.

Content Features

1. Many are interested in the aspect that affects the complexity of the content. In fact, Severums are suitable for everyone, without exception. They are unpretentious, just breed, grow quickly. It is the last nuance that is paid attention to, it is important to provide individuals with the correct diet, as well as to choose a suitable neighborhood, taking into account the size of the aquatic pets. Then you will not encounter any difficulties in leaving.
2. The fish normally tolerates temperature changes, but it is important for it to provide spacious housing. Severum have certain features: if the fish dwells in a vertical dwelling, it will begin to grow upward, becoming flatter. But in cases of keeping in a horizontal aquarium, the severum will become fat in width.
3. The owner of the aquarium may encounter inconveniences during the breeding period. In order for the female and the male to find each other, first you need to buy 6-8 individuals. Subsequently, they will pair up when they reach puberty. Then the formed young family is relocated to another home, and the rest of the Severums are handed out to friends or kept for beauty. To avoid such inconvenience, it is recommended to immediately buy a couple of manufacturers.
4. Important attention is paid to the aquarium setting. Various driftwood, pebbles, rocky masses, etc. will benefit the fish. Prefer options with powerful roots from plants, because Severums simply tear them out due to their size. Root plants well and attach stones on top.
5. Fish like to live in old water, but this does not mean that it does not need to be changed. Pour a quarter of the liquid weekly, pour a new one in its place. Siphon the soil with the same frequency, because food debris settles down. Install a filter, also adhere to the optimal indicators of water (about 25 degrees), alkaline balance (6 units), hardness (12-15 units).

Compatibility

1. The question of coping with other pets must be approached responsibly. Severums belong to the category of cichlids, which means that they can be kept with themselves.
2. Suitable cichlids and cichlomas, in size coinciding with our representatives. It is strictly forbidden to plant small fish, because they will be eaten momentarily.
3. If you plan to keep several species of fish, then provide your pets with a large aquarium. One individual should account for about 100-150 liters. water. If more aggressive cichlids are hooked, these indicators increase.
4. Severums can also get along with catfish, but only some of them. We list the species that are characterized by the same livability: baggill, synodontis, veil, plecostomus. Of course, in any case, you need to build on the temperament of a particular individual.

Feeding

1. The fish in question are omnivores. Cichlids with great pleasure eat live food. Also, individuals will not refuse dry or frozen food. Therefore, you will have no questions about how to feed your new pets.
2. Without fail, plant food should be present in the diet of cichlids. In order for individuals to receive all the necessary substances, they should buy ready-made balanced feed. They are not very expensive. Among these, we can distinguish "Ryasku".
3. Keep in mind that the fish live long and feel good, the diet should be correct, varied and balanced. As a result, you will not have to worry about anything. These rules should be followed regardless of the type and size of fish.
4. Among other things, it is worth noting that feeding cichlids should not be monotonous. Give individuals both live feed and dry feed. Consider the preferences of the type of fish. If necessary, give more feed in which there is the highest concentration of protein or plant components.
5. Often, fish are fed exclusively dry food. The most popular is the balanced feed of the Tetra company. The assortment of feed is truly amazing. It is considered the most popular in Russia.
6. In the variety of Tetra products, there are individual feeds depending on the characteristics and type of fish. In this case, you can choose absolutely any menu, even for individual individuals. Such a company offers food even to enhance the color of fish.There are also special vitamin supplements for fry.

Breeding

1. As soon as individuals reach puberty, they independently find a mate. Severum reaches full maturity in about 2 years, sometimes earlier. Do not worry ahead of time, you can distinguish individuals by gender much earlier.
2. At the age of six months, the male differs from the female in that he has a sharp fin on his back. In females, such a fin grows after some time. In addition, individuals without special problems can be distinguished by color. Males have a brighter shade. He has more expressive stripes and blotches.
3. In females, on the contrary, the color is almost uniform and pale. If you want to speed up the spawning process, the temperature in the aquarium should be increased to 3 degrees. It is important to change the water 2 times a week. Replace at least a quarter of the total volume.
4. Where the female will spawn is up to you. The process can occur both in a general aquarium and in a special aquarium. In the latter case, the volume of the tank must be at least 200 liters. To understand when spawning begins, pay attention to the behavior of the fish. Before this will be followed by a marriage dance with long kisses.
5. Before spawning, the fish will mate in their mouths. Further, individuals circulate for some time throughout the aquarium. The female begins to spawn eggs on the plane. The number of eggs can be from 300 to 900 pcs. Everything will depend on how often spawning will be carried out.
6. The fry begin to hatch after 1 week. Much can depend on the temperature of the water in the aquarium. At this time, the couple takes care of their offspring. Parents vent the fluid with fins near the masonry and get rid of dead eggs. A week later, the fry are born and already begin to ask for food.

To contain representatives of this species, you should get an aquarium of an impressive volume, especially if you plan to hook other fish. Provide cichlids with the most comfortable living conditions. Do not forget to give various feeds.

Video: Severum aquarium fish