Fire Eel and Severum Cichlid Compatibility Overview
Fire Eel and Severum Cichlid are generally not recommended to be housed together. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk. Both are semi, so give them a larger, well-planted tank and watch how they settle in. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.
| Factor | Fire Eel | Severum Cichlid | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 75โ82ยฐF | 72โ84ยฐF | โ 75โ82ยฐF |
| pH Range | 6.0โ7.0 | 5.5โ7.0 | โ 6.0โ7.0 |
| Temperament | semi | semi | โ ๏ธ Monitor |
| Adult Size | 39.4 in | 11.8 in | โ ๏ธ 3.3ร difference |
| Min. Group | 1+ | 1+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 100 gallons (for both species) | โ | |
Compatibility Positives
Incompatibility Reasons
Species Profiles
Fire Eel โ Mastacembelus erythrotaenia
The Fire Eel is a stunning, red-bottomed species that requires a spacious tank. They are peaceful bottom feeders and do best in a well-planted, mature aquarium. With a moderate activity level, they can be a great addition to a community tank, but their size and diet may be incompatible with smaller fish.
Severum Cichlid โ Heros efasciatus
The Severum Cichlid, known for its vibrant colors and peaceful nature, is a popular choice for freshwater aquariums. They have a lifespan of around 5 years and require a minimum tank size of 80 liters. These fish are not schooling fish but are known to be gentle and compatible with a variety of tank mates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Fire Eel live with Severum Cichlid?
Generally not recommended. Fire Eel and Severum Cichlid are generally not recommended to be housed together. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk. Both are semi, so give them a larger, well-planted tank and watch how they settle in. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.
What tank size do I need for Fire Eel and Severum Cichlid together?
A minimum of 100 gallons is recommended for keeping Fire Eel and Severum Cichlid together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Fire Eel and Severum Cichlid?
75โ82ยฐF โ inside Fire Eel's 75โ82ยฐF and Severum Cichlid's 72โ84ยฐF.
Is a Fire Eel aggressive toward a Severum Cichlid?
The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk.
Related Compatibility Guides
Tank Size for Fire Eel and Severum Cichlid
Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.
| Scenario | Tank | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum viable | 114 gal | Only for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring. |
| Recommended community | 180 gal | Adds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior. |
| Low-conflict setup | 220 gal | Best when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure. |