Common Name: Tiger Curare Severum
Scientific Name: Heros severus
Other Names: Banded Cichlid, Hero Cichlid, Common Severum
The Tiger Curare Severum is a beautiful and popular freshwater fish known for its striking black and gold stripes that run horizontally along its body. Its scientific name, Heros severus, reflects its majestic appearance, with "Heros" meaning hero or warrior and "severus" meaning strict or severe. This fish has a compressed, oval-shaped body and a pointed head. It has small eyes, a large mouth, and a single dorsal fin. Its coloring varies depending on the region it originates from, but it typically has a base color of greenish-yellow to olive-brown, and the distinctive black stripes running horizontally across its body.
Habitat and Distribution:
The Tiger Curare Severum is native to the Amazon basin in South America, specifically the Rio Negro, the Orinoco River, and the Amazon River. They are found in freshwater rivers and tributaries and tend to inhabit areas with rocky or sandy substrates, with a preference for calm, slow-moving water. They are known to live in large schools, but also can be found in pairs or on their own.
Size and Lifespan:
In the wild, Tiger Curare Severums can grow up to 12 inches in length, but in captivity, they usually only grow to be around 8 to 10 inches. They have a lifespan of up to 10 years in optimal aquarium conditions.
Diet and Behavior:
The Tiger Curare Severum is an omnivore and will eat a variety of foods, including both meat and plant-based foods. They enjoy live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and small crustaceans, as well as commercial foods such as flakes or pellets. They should be fed a varied diet to ensure that they receive all the necessary nutrients. They are generally peaceful and can be kept with other fish of similar size and temperament.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
Tiger Curare Severums need a minimum tank size of 100 gallons, but a larger tank is recommended for a community aquarium or if keeping multiple fish. The tank should be decorated with plenty of hiding places, rocks, and plants, as this will help them feel secure. They prefer a moderate water flow and a sand or fine gravel substrate. Regular water changes should be performed to maintain water quality.
Ideal Tank Mates:
Tiger Curare Severums can be kept with other fish of similar size and temperament, such as other peaceful South American cichlids or tetras. They should not be kept with overly aggressive or fin-nipping fish.
Difficulty Level:
The Tiger Curare Severum is a hardy fish that is easy to care for and suitable for both beginners and experienced aquarists.
Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 75°F to 82°F
- pH: 6.0 to 8.0
- General Hardness (GH): 4-15 dGH
- Carbonate Hardness (KH): 4-12 dKH
- Ammonia: 0 ppm
- Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: < 40 ppm
Additional Information:
- The Severum is a popular ornamental fish that is often bred in captivity and is available in many different color variations.
- They are a type of South American cichlid and are known for their peaceful temperament.
- They are often used in aquaponics systems as a nutrient source for plants. Aquaponics is a combination of aquaculture and hydroponics, where fish waste is used as a fertilizer for plant growth, and the plants in turn help to filter the water for the fish.
