New To Severum - behaviour help please

[DLV082]

Hi All

I have recently purchased 3 severum, 2 gold and 1 green. The 2 gold ones are locking jaws and pushing against each other. It is normal and should I be worried. They even ignored the food I placed in the tank to distract them. This is the first time I have had this species in my tank, I was told they were peaceful!

Apologies for the shocking photography.

 

[FreshyFresh]

What size tank are they in and how big/old are they?

It could be the male/female ratio is off and/or they need more space or decor for hiding and to claim territories.

I have a 4-5yr/old green severum that I keep in with a oscar. The severum is by far the meaner, feistier fish of the two. It gets aggressive every water change day and shoves the oscar all around for the day.

 

[tanker]

Your tank may not be big enough for 2 male Severums. The males will fight for dominance.

 

[DLV082]

What size tank are they in and how big/old are they?

It could be the male/female ratio is off and/or they need more space or decor for hiding and to claim territories.

I have a 4-5yr/old green severum that I keep in with a oscar. The severum is by far the meaner, feistier fish of the two. It gets aggressive every water change day and shoves the oscar all around for the day.

The tanks is a 180gal so it is definately big enough. I believe they are young as they only measure about 2 1/2" in length.

How do you tell what sex they are?? If that is the problem.

 

[FreshyFresh]

The tanks is a 180gal so it is definately big enough. I believe they are young as they only measure about 2 1/2" in length.

How do you tell what sex they are?? If that is the problem.

Wish I could help with sexing them. I have no idea. My sev (and oscar) were tiny cute things when I put them in together. Maybe 1.5" at best. Fast forward to today and the sev is a good 7"+ and fat, as is the 9-10" oscar.

Great sized tank you have there too!

 

[DLV082]

Another question. Would putting more into the tank help distribute the aggression? I am under stocked and would love some more of these fish but only if more would help!

 

[FreshyFresh]

It's worth a try IMO, given you only have 3 of them at the moment and the tank has the space. Just make sure it's what you want long term or have a means to return or re-home them.

 

[tanker]

I am not sure that over-stock will easy aggression. People do this with African Rift lake cichlids, but not sure about "New World" cichlids.

Usually males are bigger, more markings on face and head. Longer fins, ect then females.

The one on the right is a male.

 

[fishorama]

I agree with tanker...but I think both may be male.

Can you post a pic of your green? It may be the golds are males fighting over a green female...or you may have 3 males with a smaller green not up to the fight...yet.

Your tank is big enough for 2 males but maybe not 3...

 

[Rbishop]

Lip locking is a natural spawning behavior for them....not saying they are old enough for that. That's usually accompanied with clearing a site for the spawn.