Adult Severum

[Sevwath20]

I have a red spotted gold Severum whose about 7 inches now. It’s in a 75g with 4 pictus and 12 Corys. I am wondering if I could add another Severum, or is it too late since this guys older and Willy bully a younger one.
Also wondering if it is possible, how do I determine the sex?
If another Severum isn’t a good idea, what is another compatible fish - I was thinking a blue acara?

 

[tlindsey]

I have a red spotted gold Severum whose about 7 inches now. It’s in a 75g with 4 pictus and 12 Corys. I am wondering if I could add another Severum, or is it too late since this guys older and Willy bully a younger one.
Also wondering if it is possible, how do I determine the sex?
If another Severum isn’t a good idea, what is another compatible fish - I was thinking a blue acara?

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Welcome aboard ?
You will get different opinions but I personally wouldn't add another Severum. Like you stated the Severum is older so it possibly may not tolerate any cichlid tankmates.

 

[ryansmith83]

In a 4’ tank your Heros has established its territory and it will likely bully any newcomer Heros. I don’t even keep spawning pairs in 75s because the male’s aggression can lead to a very fast, lethal situation for a female if they disagree about something. You would be better to upgrade its tank size or find other tankmates. Small Andinoacara might work.

The fish is likely a male, but in super reds it is hard to say because both male and female super reds have facial spotting/striation. In most cases the pattern is more tightly-woven in females, creating a more solid red appearance, while in males it is more spaced out giving the fish a more patterned look overall.

 

[AntGF]

You have a beautiful Severum. I had a mating pair of them in my 75, they would keep away others from their area but not hurt anyone. One day the female beat up the male severely and he broke out in ich. I gave them away to someone that can care for them properly and of course told them they have what looks like ich.

I did hear of a trick if you are interested it trying. Remove the Severum, rearrange all decorations and clean gravel with partial water change. The established severum may think he is in a new area and may be less aggressive. Good luck, I think it is worth a try.



I forgot to mention, introduce both fish at the same time. If you see some aggression place mirrors on both ends of the tank.