THE GOLDEN SEVERUM
The Golden severum is one such captive bred colour morph of the severum cichlid. They have the same deep oval shaped body but are pale yellow/gold in colour. Their anal, pelvic and pectoral fins are all yellow, while the tail and dorsal fin tend to be a white with yellow specks. Their eyes are yellow as well. Cichlids have one nostril on each side while other fish have 2 sets. To sense “smells” in the water, they suck water in and expel the water right back out after being “sampled” for a short or longer time, depending on how much the cichlid needs to “smell” the water.
SEVERUM CARE
The severums are one of the most popular cichlids in home aquariums. Though they can be appropriate for fish keepers of all experience levels, it is important to understand that they are a large fish and will have rapidly changing needs as they grow. They are fairly easy to take care of for a fish keeper. The Golden severum is an omnivore that likes pellets or stick foods for large cichlids. They can be fed green peas (which is a favourite), or zucchini that you have blanched. Earthworms, bloodworms are also enjoyed.
Do not feed beef heart or liver as these items are very hard for the severum to digest and can lead to illness. Feed small pinches of food several times per day instead of a large quantity once a day. This will keep the water quality higher over a longer time. A one day a week fast is also beneficial. The Golden severum is fairly easy to care for provided the water is kept clean. Aquariums are closed systems and regardless of size all will need some maintenance. Over time decomposing organic matter, nitrates, and phosphate build up and the water hardness increases due to evaporation. To combat these ever changing conditions water should be replaced on a regular basis. Perform water changes of 10 – 20% biweekly or weekly, more or less depending on stocking numbers. Also remember that for this fish to maintain the best colouring you will need to maintain oxygen levels.
If you are deciding to breed cichlids you need to know which group your cichlids fall under. Almost all cichlids are either “substratum-spawning” or “mouth brooders”. This means they either lay the eggs on some portion of the substratum, (including pits dug in the sand, leaves, and flat rocks), or they take the eggs and fry into their mouths to protect them from predators. Another, and more important distinction, if you are planning to breed Cichlids, is whether they are monogamous or polygamous
DISEASES
They are subject to infections as well as other diseases that affect all freshwater fish. One common problem is ich. It can be treated with the elevation of the tank temperature to 86° F (30° C) for a few days since they can tolerate higher temperatures. They are sensitive to medications, so make sure you do your research.
Head and Lateral Line Erosion (HLLE), which is also called “hole-in-the-head” disease is common with poor water conditions. This looks like cavities or pits on the head and face. It is believed this may be a nutritional deficiency of one or more of: Vitamin C, Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus. It is thought to be caused by a poor diet or lack of variety, lack of partial water changes, or over filtration with chemical media such as activated carbon.
As with most fish the severum cichlids are prone to skin flukes and other parasitic infestations, fungal infections, and bacterial infections. Knowing the signs and catching and treating them early makes a world of a difference
JAMAICA ORNAMENTAL FISH 