Heros Severum

Question
I have a pair of Heroes Severum for the last about two years. They have grown from about 2 inch to 8 in length. Almost full grown ? Off late I see them fighting a great deal. The female ( Paler & slimmer of the two) has been keeping the male (bigger & with prominent head pattern)at bay with lip locking fights. They do not injure one another. What is this activity ? Are they paired & ready to breed ? If yes do I remove other fish (pair of Shubhunkin, 6" long each)from the tank ? Any other preparations needed ?

Answer
Hi Anand,
  They could be a pair and thinking about breeding.  Or, they could be two individuals of the same sex having a territorial dispute. One of the challenges with keeping cichlids is that courtship and fighting often look very much alike. Severums can be an additional challenge because males and females are not necessarily obviously different in appearance.   Time will tell.   
  Typically severums spawn on a more-or-less vertical surface. I have used a large piece of slate angled up against the glass.  I have had smaller pairs spawn in flowerpots.  

  They typically go darker, actually more contrasty, (and the eye brighter) when they are very close to spawning.

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
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