If you love keeping aquariums, you might want to mix different types of fish in one tank. It’s exciting to think about creating a colorful and diverse underwater world, but it’s also important to be careful. One question that often comes up is whether guppies, which are small and peaceful fish, can live peacefully with a Severum, a much larger and more aggressive fish.
Let’s take a closer look at this question. We’ll talk about what each fish is like and what could happen if you try to keep them together. By the end, you’ll know whether these two fish can share the same tank or if it’s better to keep them separate.
No, guppies should not be kept with a Severum. Severums are large, semi-aggressive cichlids that can easily stress, injure, or even eat small and peaceful guppies. The size and temperament difference between the two species, along with their differing water parameter needs, make them incompatible tank mates. It’s best to keep guppies with other small, peaceful fish and house Severums with larger, similarly tempered species.
Understanding Guppies: The Friendly Fish
Guppy Characteristics
Guppies are one of the most popular freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby, especially among beginners. These small, colorful fish are known for their vibrant patterns and lively personalities. Originating from South America, guppies are hardy fish that adapt well to various water conditions, making them easy to care for.
Size and Appearance:
Guppies are small fish, typically growing to about 1.5 to 2 inches in length. Their bodies are slender, and they have large, flowing tails that come in a variety of colors and patterns. Male guppies are more colorful than females, with brighter hues and more elaborate fins.
Related reading: Can Guppies and Siamese Algae Eaters Live Together?
Behavior:
Guppies are peaceful and social creatures that thrive in groups. They are active swimmers and enjoy exploring their environment. Guppies are not aggressive and generally get along well with other small, non-aggressive fish. They are also livebearers, meaning they give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. This can lead to a rapidly growing population if males and females are kept together.
Tank Requirements:
Guppies prefer a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots and open swimming areas. They thrive in slightly alkaline water with a pH of 7.0 to 8.0 and a temperature range of 72-82°F (22-28°C). A tank size of at least 10 gallons is recommended for a small group of guppies, though larger tanks are better to accommodate their active nature and potential breeding.
Introducing Severums: The Larger, Bolder Cichlid
Severum Characteristics
Severums are a type of cichlid, a family of fish known for their intelligence, strong personalities, and sometimes aggressive behavior. Originating from the slow-moving rivers and lakes of South America, Severums are much larger than guppies and require more space and specific care.
Size and Appearance:
Severums can grow quite large, reaching up to 8 inches in length. They have a robust, oval-shaped body with a more subdued coloration compared to guppies. However, their colors can be striking, with hues ranging from green, gold, and red to turquoise. Their appearance can vary greatly depending on the species and environmental conditions.
Behavior:
Severums are semi-aggressive fish, particularly during breeding or when defending their territory. They are known to be territorial and may not tolerate smaller, more timid fish in their space. While Severums can be relatively peaceful in a well-maintained tank with ample space, their size and temperament make them unsuitable for many community tanks, especially those with small fish like guppies.
Tank Requirements:
Due to their size, Severums require a spacious tank, with a minimum of 55 gallons recommended for a single fish. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 and a temperature range of 75-82°F (24-28°C). A well-aquascaped tank with hiding spots, such as rocks and driftwood, can help reduce aggression by giving them places to establish territories.
The Risks of Keeping Guppies and Severums Together
While it might seem like an interesting idea to combine these two species, several factors make it a risky endeavor. Here’s a closer look at why guppies and Severums might not be the best tank mates:
Size Discrepancy
One of the most apparent differences between guppies and Severums is their size. Guppies are tiny compared to Severums, which can lead to several problems in a shared tank. Severums might view guppies as prey due to their small size and fast movements. Even if the Severum doesn’t intend to eat the guppy, it might still chase or harass it, leading to significant stress for the guppy.
Stress is a serious issue in fish as it can weaken their immune system, making them more susceptible to diseases. Constant harassment from a much larger fish can cause guppies to hide continuously, reducing their quality of life and leading to potential health problems.
Temperament Differences
Guppies are peaceful and non-confrontational, whereas Severums can be territorial and aggressive, especially in a smaller tank or during breeding periods. The differing temperaments can lead to conflicts, with the Severum asserting dominance over the more passive guppies. This can result in the guppies being bullied, injured, or even killed.
Water Parameter Preferences
Another crucial factor is the difference in water parameter preferences between the two species. Guppies thrive in slightly alkaline water, while Severums prefer slightly acidic to neutral water. Maintaining a tank that meets the needs of both fish can be challenging, as one species might not thrive if the water conditions favor the other.
Water parameters like pH, hardness, and temperature are critical to the health of your fish. If these parameters are not within the ideal range for both species, it can lead to stress, illness, and a shortened lifespan.
Feeding Challenges
Feeding can also become a problem in a mixed tank. Guppies are small and have a diet consisting of flakes, small pellets, and occasionally live or frozen food like brine shrimp or daphnia. Severums, being much larger, require a more varied diet that includes larger pellets, vegetables, and occasionally live food.
The difference in size and feeding behavior can make it difficult to ensure that both species are getting the nutrition they need. Guppies might struggle to compete with the larger Severum for food, leading to malnutrition or food aggression.
Potential Consequences of Mixing Guppies and Severums
Given the risks involved, what are the possible outcomes if you decide to house guppies and Severums together?
Increased Stress and Health Problems
As mentioned earlier, the stress of being constantly harassed or chased by a much larger fish can take a toll on guppies. Stress in fish can manifest in several ways, including loss of appetite, lethargy, hiding, and a weakened immune system. A stressed guppy is more prone to diseases like fin rot, ich, and other bacterial or fungal infections.
Severums, while more robust, can also experience stress if they feel overcrowded or unable to establish a territory. This stress can lead to increased aggression, not just towards guppies but also towards other tank mates.
Injury or Death
In the worst-case scenario, the guppies could be injured or killed by the Severum. Even if the Severum doesn’t actively hunt the guppies, the sheer size difference means that any aggressive behavior, like chasing or nipping, could cause significant harm to the guppies. Additionally, the Severum might accidentally eat smaller guppies, mistaking them for food.
Tank Imbalance
Mixing incompatible species can lead to an imbalance in your tank’s ecosystem. For example, the Severum might dominate the tank, leaving the guppies with limited space and resources. This imbalance can make it difficult to maintain a healthy, stable environment, leading to issues like poor water quality, algae growth, and increased aggression among other fish.
Alternatives to Keeping Guppies and Severums Together
If you’re interested in both guppies and Severums but don’t want to risk keeping them in the same tank, there are several alternatives to consider.
Separate Tanks
The simplest solution is to set up separate tanks for each species. This allows you to create an environment tailored to the needs of each fish without compromising on water conditions, space, or tank mates. You can enjoy the beauty and behavior of both species without the stress of potential conflicts.
For guppies, a smaller tank of 10-20 gallons is sufficient, while Severums will require a larger tank of 55 gallons or more. This setup ensures that each species has the space and conditions they need to thrive.
Compatible Tank Mates for Guppies
If you’re looking for other fish to keep with guppies, consider species that are similar in size and temperament. Some good tank mates for guppies include:
- Platies: These colorful, peaceful fish are similar in size to guppies and thrive in the same water conditions.
- Mollies: Mollies are slightly larger but still peaceful, making them good companions for guppies.
- Neon Tetras: These small, schooling fish are non-aggressive and add a splash of color to a guppy tank.
- Corydoras Catfish: These bottom-dwelling fish are peaceful and help keep the tank clean by scavenging for food.
Compatible Tank Mates for Severums
For those interested in keeping Severums with other fish, it’s important to choose species that can handle their size and temperament. Some suitable tank mates for Severums include:
- Angelfish: Another cichlid species, Angelfish are similar in size and temperament to Severums, making them a good match.
- Larger Tetras: Species like Congo Tetras are large enough to coexist with Severums without being seen as prey.
- Plecostomus: These large, hardy fish are bottom dwellers that can hold their own with a Severum.
- Silver Dollars: These schooling fish are peaceful but large enough to avoid being bullied by a Severum.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Risk?
In conclusion, while it might be tempting to mix guppies and Severums in the same tank, the risks far outweigh the potential benefits. The significant differences in size, temperament, and environmental needs make them incompatible tank mates. Guppies are too small and peaceful to coexist with a large, territorial fish like a Severum.
If you value the health and well-being of your fish, it’s best to either choose compatible tank mates for each species or set up separate tanks that cater to their specific needs. This approach will ensure that both your guppies and Severum can thrive in a safe, stress-free environment.
Creating a harmonious aquarium requires careful planning and consideration of each species’ unique characteristics. By understanding the needs of your fish and choosing compatible tank mates, you can create a beautiful and peaceful aquatic world that brings joy and relaxation to your home.