New Tank Suggestion

[Timmy_Bee]

Hi,

I am thinking of setting my Rio 240 up as an American Cichlid tank (not a biotope or anything, i just like the Am Cichlids)
My LFS has some green Sev's that have caught my eye. Could i keep 3 in a 240L tank? or is that pushing it? could i just get two? (the fish in the shop cant be much bigger than 1.5 - 2" so no idea about sex)

And what would make good tank mates? i was thinking of maybe some keyholes and a plec but would also be interested to know if Sev's would get on with barbs (im assuming not)

 

[Verminator89]

I keep 3 Rotekil sevs in a Rio 300 with 13 tiger barbs no problems. I also keep them with pictus catfish and a plec along with some boesemani rainbows. I did have them with a birchir, unfortunately that died recently.

I would say 3 green sevs in a 240 is perhaps a bit tight, they get bigger than rotkeils and i think my rotkeils look cramped in a 300. I havnt massive experience with sevs as i've only had them a few weeks, but someone else will be able to assist more on this matter than i.

 

[Timmy_Bee]

hm... so 2 with a few barbs might be OK? that changes things

 

[minxfishy]

In fairness if your talking about a heros efasciatus, green severum, your looking at one maximum in a 240, this species can and does reach 12" if male and is a bulky fish, the recommended tank size being a minimum 75g tank (240L approx 63g). So if you wanted a severum species that stays smaller, then rotkeil severums or the heros severus would be more appropriate for your tank size, then 2 would be fine. Barbs and tetras are fine with severums, so long as you avoid the very small species like neons who will become snacks when the severums grows.

 

[Timmy_Bee]

if you wanted a severum species that stays smaller, then rotkeil severums or the heros severus

Ah. as always, it seems my googling was inaccurate. I was under the impression that green sev = hero sev, and that 55g was the min for a pair... usual max size = 8" - 10" (rarely 12")

 

[minxfishy]

No a true heros severus, will max out around 8", smaller for a female. Heros efasciatus, which are more commonly sold in LFS, green, gold and red spot varieties, a male can reach 12", Ive seen them, its not just the length but they are extremely bulky fish. Whilst they take some time to reach that size, they can. The Rotkeil severum, males max out around 8", but often smaller, 6-7" and not as bulky as the efasciatus.

 

[Timmy_Bee]

Hm. Well i trust my LFS so i will go ask them if its an efasciatus or true severus. but im guessing its the latter...
edit. meant former

Any visible difference between the two when they are juvi's?

 

[Timmy_Bee]

Well i got two. Anyone care to guess the species, or even better, the sex? im guessing its far too early for that sort of thing

 

[GShorty1981]

You tell the sex by facial markings, the male have worm like or spot markings on the gill plate/cheeks and the females have none.

I can tell you you have 2 green Heros Efaciatus tho.

 

[Timmy_Bee]

well based on that, i would say i have got two females - either than or its too soon to tell...