GREEN SEVERUM (Heros efasciatus) for Sale in Canada

The Green Severum (Heros efasciatus) is one of the most popular South American cichlids for aquarists who want an attractive, intelligent, and personable freshwater fish without moving into the extreme aggression associated with some large Central American cichlids. With its classic olive-green body, warm gold highlights, and subtle vertical barring, the Green Severum becomes increasingly impressive as it matures.

At Monster Aquarium Canada, the Green Severum is an excellent choice for experienced aquarists looking for a substantial South American cichlid with attractive natural coloration and engaging behaviour.

Species Overview

The Green Severum belongs to the genus Heros, a group of South American cichlids commonly found in slow-moving rivers, flooded forests, tributaries, and other structured freshwater environments.

Heros efasciatus is frequently sold under names such as Green Severum, Common Severum, or Banded Severum. Taxonomy within the Heros group can be complicated, and aquarium-trade names are sometimes used broadly.

Scientific Name

Heros efasciatus

Common Names

• Green Severum
• Green Severum Cichlid
• Common Severum
• Banded Severum
• Hero Cichlid

Origin

Green Severums originate from South America, particularly freshwater habitats associated with the Amazon and surrounding river systems.

Their natural environments often contain driftwood, submerged roots, vegetation, leaf litter, and areas of relatively gentle water movement.

Appearance and Coloration

The Green Severum has a tall, laterally compressed body with long dorsal and anal fins.

Young specimens can appear relatively subdued, but coloration generally becomes richer with age.

Typical coloration includes:

• Olive-green body
• Golden-green highlights
• Dark vertical bars
• Orange or reddish accents around the face
• Subtle blue-green iridescence
• Darker dorsal and anal fin markings

The intensity of coloration can change depending on age, mood, social interactions, diet, genetics, and aquarium conditions.

Why Choose a Green Severum?

Green Severums offer a combination of attractive natural coloration and interactive cichlid behaviour.

Key Features

• Classic South American cichlid
• Attractive green and gold coloration
• Intelligent and interactive
• Generally less aggressive than many large Central American cichlids
• Excellent centerpiece fish
• Suitable for large community-style cichlid aquariums
• Beautiful adult body shape
• Interesting breeding behaviour

Aquarium Setup

A Green Severum needs a spacious aquarium because it becomes a substantial fish and produces considerable waste.

A 75-gallon aquarium or larger is recommended for a single adult, while a larger aquarium is preferable for a pair or community of large South American fish.

Substrate

Sand or smooth fine gravel is ideal.

Severums may investigate and move substrate, especially when establishing territories or preparing a spawning site.

Decorations

Create a natural South American-style environment using:

• Driftwood
• Smooth rocks
• Caves
• Root structures
• Hardy plants
• Open swimming areas

Severums may uproot delicate plants, so sturdy plants or securely anchored vegetation are recommended for planted aquariums.

Water Parameters

Green Severums appreciate clean, stable freshwater.

Recommended conditions include:

• Temperature: 24–28°C
• pH: approximately 6.0–7.5
• Hardness: soft to moderately hard
• Strong filtration
• Good oxygenation
• Ammonia: 0 ppm
• Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: kept low through regular water changes

Consistent maintenance is particularly important as Severums become larger.

Diet and Feeding

Green Severums are omnivorous and should receive a varied diet.

A quality diet can include:

• High-quality cichlid pellets
• Cichlid sticks
• Spirulina-based foods
• Vegetables
• Peas
• Zucchini
• Spinach
• Frozen bloodworms
• Mysis shrimp
• Brine shrimp
• Krill in moderation

Plant-based foods are particularly useful as part of a balanced diet.

Avoid relying exclusively on high-protein foods. A varied diet is better suited to the natural omnivorous feeding habits of Severums.

Behaviour and Temperament

Green Severums are intelligent, curious cichlids that often become highly interactive with their keeper.

Compared with many aggressive large cichlids, Severums can be relatively peaceful when properly housed. However, they remain territorial fish and individual temperament varies.

Breeding pairs may become significantly more territorial.

Tank Mates

Green Severums can work well in appropriately designed large South American community aquariums.

Potential tank mates may include appropriately sized:

• Geophagus
• Angelfish
• Larger peaceful tetras
• Corydoras species
• Plecos
• Other compatible South American cichlids

Tank mates should be large enough that they cannot easily be swallowed and should have compatible water requirements and temperament.

Avoid very small fish and highly aggressive species.

Growth and Adult Size

Green Severums can become substantial cichlids, commonly reaching approximately 8–10 inches under good aquarium conditions.

Growth depends on genetics, nutrition, water quality, aquarium size, and general husbandry.

Young Severums can look considerably different from mature specimens, making them rewarding fish to raise and observe over time.

Breeding

Green Severums are substrate-spawning cichlids.

A mature pair may select a flat rock, piece of slate, driftwood, or another suitable surface for spawning. Both parents may participate in guarding eggs and fry.

During breeding, territorial behaviour can increase, so additional aquarium space and carefully arranged territories are beneficial.

Green Severum for Sale in Canada

Looking to buy a Green Severum in Canada? Monster Aquarium Canada offers freshwater cichlids and other unusual aquarium fish for Canadian aquarists.

The Green Severum is particularly suitable for fishkeepers who want a large, attractive South American cichlid with a more community-oriented temperament than many highly aggressive cichlid species.

Canadian customers can search for Green Severums in Toronto, Ontario, Vancouver, British Columbia, Calgary, Alberta, Montreal, Quebec, Winnipeg, Manitoba, and throughout Canada, subject to current livestock availability and shipping conditions.

Livestock availability, size, coloration, and inventory can change. Please confirm current stock before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How big does a Green Severum get?

Green Severums can reach approximately 8–10 inches as adults, with individual size varying according to genetics and husbandry.

2. What size tank does a Green Severum need?

A 75-gallon aquarium or larger is recommended for a single adult. Larger aquariums are preferred for pairs and community setups.

3. Are Green Severums aggressive?

They are generally less aggressive than many large Central American cichlids, but they can become territorial, especially when spawning.

4. What do Green Severums eat?

They are omnivores and should receive quality cichlid foods supplemented with vegetables, spirulina-based foods, and suitable frozen foods.

5. Can Green Severums live with other fish?

Yes. In a sufficiently large aquarium, they can be kept with appropriately sized, compatible South American fish. Individual temperament should always be considered.