My lfs has two orinoco severum, which I am pretty sure is the mouth brooding severums. They are both about six inches in length and are $60 a piece. Is this a good price?
Orinoco Severum
- Thread starter Charney
- Start date
You are going to get a wide array of opinions here. Some will say over priced for a severum of any species, some would happily pay that. I would say who gives a crap about price, if you have the money and you want the fish, pull the trigger on what you want and don't worry about price.
Make sure to get a good ID on them first. If they are just common greens, then $60 is pretty overpriced.
I agree with JK47. I paid 80.00 for a wild caught Rotkeil severum that was about 5", and I haven't regretted it for a second. If it's a fish you don't see in your area very often, don't hesitate or you will kick yourself later.
The true Heros severus mouthbrooder is from the Orinoco. They are pretty different compared to normal severums so they should be easy to identify. They are primarily a brownish-gray color with tiny black spots (sometimes) on the gills and orange-red horizontal markings down the sides. They look very similar to the Atabapo mouthbrooders, but have a slightly boxier shape and smaller eye.
I couldn't get a picture the tank was too dark, but it does have the red horizontal markings. Is the main difference between the orinoco and atabapo mouth brooders location collected? Also the two are similar sizes but in different tanks. I can't sex them right now. If they happen to be males will male severums get along? Thanks
Some argue that the Atabapo severums are not the same as H. severus but they do look almost identical. The collecting locations are different. I've seen slight differences in mine. I prefer the shape of the Orinoco ones, but both types have the same temperament and parental care.
I have a tank of all male severums and they get along pretty well. There's chasing and nipping, but usually it's only at feeding time and the injuries are not very serious. You just have to give them plenty of room and have other dithers in the tank to distract them. Also, if you have a female in the tank, all hell will break loose! This is why I now keep my tank all-male. When I had females, it was war all the time. Once I took them out, everyone calmed down.
I have a tank of all male severums and they get along pretty well. There's chasing and nipping, but usually it's only at feeding time and the injuries are not very serious. You just have to give them plenty of room and have other dithers in the tank to distract them. Also, if you have a female in the tank, all hell will break loose! This is why I now keep my tank all-male. When I had females, it was war all the time. Once I took them out, everyone calmed down.
So the two are still at the LFS. Think I am going to pick them up. Can anyone tell me how to sex them? I don't think I want to get a male/female pair.