Severum

Question
QUESTION: Hey, I have a 75 gallon South American Cichlid aquarium. I have 2 Firemouth Cichlids and one Red parrot that seem to like to try to fight with my Red-headed Severum. The Severum has never seemed aggressive at all, and whenever he is attacked, he either lets them hit him or occasionally retreats. I'm thinking about adding a few other species of severums to calm the Firemouths and Parrot down. Do you think that'll work?

ANSWER: Hi Sam

In Cichlid tanks, the shy or timid one of the bunch seems to be the one that is picked on. Unless you plan to breed Cichlids, it's best to have one of each species. Adding more Severums may work, or it could make matters worse. Severums often pick on each other. What I would try first is rearranging the tank decorations. This sometimes calms down aggressive Cichlids by disrupting their territories. If this doesn't work, then you may want to separate the Severum.

I hope this helps, good luck!

Richard

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Alright, thanks for the heads up. More fighting is the last thing I need:) I still have some space in my tank, so what's a good fish that's active, at least a bit colorful, grows to a decent size (5"-10"), and is not overly aggressive?

Answer
In a South American Cichlid tank, you could add an Oscar, Jack Dempsey, Green Terror or Red Devil. Large Tinfoil Barbs and Silver Dollars also work in Cichlid tanks. Just make sure the new fish are the same size as your current fish. Also rearrange the tank decorations and add the new fish at night after the lights are turned off. This will minimize the new fish being attacked.

Hope this helps, good luck!

Richard