Blue Turquoise Severum (Heros severus)

Blue Turquoise Severum — Heros severus

South American calm with electric highlights

The Blue Turquoise Severum is a refined, colorful centerpiece for large community aquariums. A warm olive-to-gold base is overlaid with shimmering turquoise and blue spotting that intensifies under proper lighting. As they mature, the scales reflect metallic greens and aquas, giving the fish a polished, almost jeweled appearance. Unlike more aggressive cichlids, Severums combine size with composure.

Native to slow rivers and flooded forest habitats of the Amazon basin, Heros severus are steady cruisers rather than explosive predators. They establish territory through posture and display instead of nonstop aggression. Intelligent and observant, they quickly recognize feeding routines and often approach the glass with curiosity.

Growing to 8–10 inches, Blue Turquoise Severums offer substantial presence without the chaos of larger predatory cichlids, making them ideal for balanced South American setups.

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Aquarium Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons for one adult (125+ gallons recommended for pairs or community setups)

• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel

• Flow: Low to moderate

• Décor: Driftwood, plants (sturdy varieties), open swimming space

• Lighting: Moderate (enhances turquoise sheen)

• Cover: Standard secure lid recommended

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Tank Mates

Best with peaceful to moderately assertive species:

• Eartheaters

• Silver Dollars

• Larger tetras

• Peaceful plecos

• Geophagus species

• Other similarly tempered cichlids

Avoid hyper-aggressive Central American cichlids and very small fish.

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Water Parameters

• Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Hardness: Soft to medium

• Filtration: Strong biological filtration

• Water Quality: Clean, stable conditions preferred

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Diet

Omnivorous:

• High-quality cichlid pellets

• Frozen foods (brine shrimp, bloodworms)

• Shrimp and worms

• Occasional vegetable matter (peas, spinach)