Turquoise Severum Care Guide

The Turquoise Severum is a blue-green colour form of the severum cichlid, with a deep, laterally compressed body and softly rounded fins. Its turquoise sheen is often strongest across the flanks, while darker vertical bars, orange or reddish eye details and fine facial markings can appear as the fish matures.This is a substantial, intelligent cichlid with a calm, deliberate manner compared with many similarly sized South American cichlids. It can become territorial, particularly when paired or spawning, but often displays engaging individual behaviour and may recognise activity around the aquarium.Heros efasciatus is native to slow-moving rivers, flooded forests, backwaters and other lowland waters of northern and central South America. These habitats typically contain submerged roots, branches and leaf litter, with water conditions that can vary considerably between different river systems and seasons.Severums are associated with the diverse cichlid fauna of the Amazon and neighbouring tropical drainages. Their laterally flattened shape and relatively small mouth reflect a generalist feeding strategy, while their brood-care behaviour is characteristic of many New World cichlids.The Turquoise Severum has become a popular aquarium fish because it combines impressive adult size and cichlid personality with a more measured temperament than many large Central American species. Colour intensity varies with age, lineage, mood and social surroundings.