How long can I keep this severum for?

**ScottishFish** · 04-23-2012, 02:21 PM

I have a 48g tank that I keep at a relatives house, it was stocked fine and then tragedy struck when my blue acara died (note; died as it did not eat when I introduced it into tank, tank is mature and cycled and running smoothly) I had not planned to replace this fish for quite some time.

Unknown to me my relative was out shopping today, felt sorry for me as I had lost my beautiful fish, so bought oe to replace it with, in the form of a gold severum. This fish is stunning I must admit and is only1.5 inches big but after some googling I have found that they require a minimum of a 55g?

So here is my questions;

-How big can I let the fish get before rehoming it?
-How quickly will it grow?
-was the 55g for a pair, or a single fish?
-Is a 48g totally out the question for an adult gold severum?

My tank is well filtered and religiously maintained, other tank mates are tetras, 3 mollies, 2 plecos and a Dwarf african giraffe catfish. Tank is planted and lots of caves and secluded areas.

I kinda need to hold onto this fish for a while as the relative thought she was doing a great thing by buying it for me. Even up until xmas would be good.

Thanks guys, ScottishFish

**Joonkun** · 04-23-2012, 03:01 PM

i cant imagine a 7g difference would make or break it as long as you maintain it religously as you said and there isint so many plants/caves that theres enough swimming room.

**Cermet** · 04-23-2012, 03:16 PM

While minimum tank sizes are an absoult lower limit and should not be ignored that has a lot to do with filtering and upkeep; so I am going with Joonkun.

**Lady Hobbs** · 04-23-2012, 03:30 PM

I was told by some that I could keep 2 severum in a 55 gallon. They are wonderful fish and I don't see why one wouldn't work in your tank for some time.

**skullduggery1** · 04-23-2012, 03:46 PM

I would have to agree with Lady Hobbs,you can keep two severums in a 55gallon.It all depends on how much,and what type of food they are fed,as to how fast they grow.The two adults I have do not move gravel and are generally good tankmates all around.They are four years old and practically full size.Bought them as juvies,but moved the fish from a 55 gallon to a 125gallon.That dwarf african giraffe catfish will eat your tetras and will become a greedy,pugnacious fish.(By the way,I am a big fan of the dwarf giraffe)

**ScottishFish** · 04-23-2012, 03:55 PM

Thanks for the input everyone! I am glad that I can keep this fish as it is really gorgeous, lovely cream face markings (does this mean its male).

And to answer skullduggery, I know the dwarf giraffe will get big and hungry, it is around 1.5 inches long the now, so I can keep it for a while, I will see what happens with it, if I start losing tetras I would rather rehome them than this catfish, I love it !!

Oh this is my 1500th post!! Wooo go me

**ScottishFish** · 04-23-2012, 10:29 PM

Here is my cute little fish in question

**Lady Hobbs** · 04-24-2012, 12:05 AM

Cute little fella. Lab_rat has a gold sev that is a big one. I don't remember how old she said he was. But who knows 3-4 years from now what you might have? You might have a 300 gallon the rate you're going.

**ScottishFish** · 04-24-2012, 12:08 AM

Why thanks LH.

I have my sights on a big tank in the future 200+ or maybe 2x 125 or something like that, who knows, gota move out from mum and dad first

**Lab_Rat** · 04-25-2012, 01:13 AM

My gold sev's size is about the size of a salad plate (8" or so). He's been that size since I've had him, and the person I got him from had him for several years. I have no idea how old he is. My young rotkeil has taken a while to grow and grows in spurts. The green sev I had before my move grew pretty rapidly.

What are the dimensions of the tank?