Are severums peaceful for a community tank ?

(Jim) wrote in
om:

I have a 55-gallon tank filled with gouramis, neon tetras, and
bala sharks. I would love to have a cichlid addition to the
tank however I've been warned to be cautious !! The one cichlid
that I really like is the Gold or Green Severum. If I put ONE
severum in the tank, will he cause havoc ?

A Severum is definitely capable of consuming a neon tetra once the
Severum gets big enough. (I used to feed my Severums rosy red
minnows occasionally). But in my experience a single individual is
unlikely to cause much trouble unless you put other cichlids in the
tank with it. Nevertheless, if I were in your situation I would
probably consider a keyhole cichlid or perhaps rams as an alternative
-- at least if your water is neutral or on the soft/acid side.

Hope this helps,
Meph