The Steveni Taiwanese, often referred to as the Taiwanese Severum, is a striking freshwater fish admired by aquarists for its brilliant coloration, calm temperament (for a cichlid), and graceful swimming behavior. This fish is a selectively bred variant of the Cichlasoma severum, a species originally found throughout the slow-moving waters of the Amazon basin in South America. The “Steveni Taiwanese” line is thought to have been developed through selective breeding in Taiwan, resulting in enhanced coloration and unique patterning that set it apart from wild types.
Common Name and Latin Name
-
Common Name: Taiwanese Severum or Steveni Taiwanese
-
Scientific (Latin) Name: Cichlasoma severum (variant “Steveni Taiwanese”)
Native Range
While the wild-type Cichlasoma severum is native to the Amazon River Basin in South America, the Steveni Taiwanese strain does not occur naturally in the wild. It was selectively bred in Taiwan for its distinctive colors, often showcasing intense hues of turquoise, gold, and red across the body and fins.
Size and Lifespan
A full-grown Steveni Taiwanese can reach up to 8 inches (20 cm) in length under optimal conditions. In captivity, with excellent care and proper diet, they can live up to 10 years or more.
Diet
Steveni Taiwanese are omnivores. In the wild, their relatives feed on plant material, insects, worms, and small crustaceans.
In captivity, provide a balanced diet that includes:
-
High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes
-
Frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia
-
Vegetable matter, like blanched spinach, peas, or zucchini
Feeding them a varied diet enhances their color and vitality. Avoid overfeeding to maintain good water quality.
Sexing
Sexing Cichlasoma severum varieties, including the Steveni Taiwanese, can be subtle:
-
Males tend to have longer and more pointed dorsal and anal fins, often with more intense coloration.
-
Females are usually rounder with a slightly duller tone.
-
During spawning, males display brighter hues and may become slightly more territorial.
Breeding
Breeding the Steveni Taiwanese is similar to other Severum types. They are egg layers and often pair for life once bonded.
Breeding Setup:
-
Tank Size: At least 55 gallons for a breeding pair
-
Temperature: 78–82°F (25–28°C)
-
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.5–7.2)
-
Substrate: Smooth stones or flat surfaces for egg laying
-
Conditioning: Feed live or frozen foods to trigger breeding readiness
Once the female lays eggs (typically on a flat rock or inside a pot), the male fertilizes them externally. Both parents guard the eggs and fry, showing remarkable parental behavior. Fry can be fed infusoria or freshly hatched brine shrimp after hatching.
Tank Requirements and Water Conditions
Steveni Taiwanese thrive in well-maintained freshwater aquariums that mimic their natural environment.
Ideal Parameters:
-
Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
-
pH: 6.0–7.5
-
Hardness: 4–12 dGH
-
Tank Size: Minimum of 55 gallons (larger for community setups)
-
Filtration: Strong and efficient—these fish produce moderate waste
-
Décor: Include driftwood, smooth rocks, and live or artificial plants. Provide hiding spaces while leaving open swimming areas.
Weekly water changes (20–30%) are essential for maintaining stable conditions.
Ease of Care
The Steveni Taiwanese is rated as moderate in care difficulty. They are hardy, but maintaining clean water and stable parameters is vital to prevent stress-related diseases like ich or fin rot. They adapt well to captivity if introduced to a mature, cycled aquarium.
Temperament and Community Compatibility
Steveni Taiwanese cichlids are semi-aggressive, particularly during spawning. However, compared to many other cichlid species, they are generally peaceful and can live in community tanks with similar-sized, non-aggressive companions.
Good Tankmates:
-
Other Severum varieties (of similar size)
-
Geophagus species
-
Silver dollars
-
Plecos (avoid small catfish or shrimp)
-
Large tetras like Buenos Aires or Congo tetras
Avoid aggressive Central American cichlids such as Jack Dempseys or Convicts, which can harass the Steveni Taiwanese.
Species Variations
The Steveni Taiwanese belongs to a larger group of Cichlasoma severum color morphs selectively bred by aquarists around the world. Notable variants include:
-
Green Severum
-
Gold Severum
-
Red-Shoulder Severum
-
Super Red Severum
-
Rotkeil (Red Head) Severum
-
Albino Severum
Each variant exhibits unique color intensities and patterns while maintaining the same general body shape and temperament.
Albino Version
The Albino Steveni Taiwanese Severum is a rare and visually stunning variation. It exhibits:
-
A creamy white to pale gold body
-
Pink or red eyes, typical of albinism
-
Iridescent highlights that shimmer under aquarium lighting
Care requirements are identical to the standard Steveni Taiwanese, though albino variants can be more sensitive to bright light. Providing shaded areas in the tank helps reduce stress.
Relatives and Classification
The Steveni Taiwanese belongs to the Cichlidae family, one of the largest families of freshwater fishes. Its relatives include:
-
Cichlasoma bimaculatum (Black Acara)
-
Cichlasoma festivum (Flag Cichlid)
-
Heros efasciatus (true Severum species)
-
Geophagus spp. (Eartheaters)
-
Astronotus ocellatus (Oscar)
All share a common ancestry within the Neotropical cichlids of South America, known for their intelligence, territorial behavior, and parental care.
Common Health Issues
While hardy, Steveni Taiwanese cichlids can develop:
-
Ich (White Spot Disease): Common under stress or poor water quality.
-
Hole-in-the-Head Disease: Often caused by poor nutrition or lack of minerals.
-
Fin rot: Typically bacterial; improve water and diet for recovery.
Regular maintenance and a balanced diet prevent most of these problems.
Interesting Facts
-
The Steveni Taiwanese Severum can recognize its owner and may follow movements outside the tank.
-
It is often referred to as the “Poor man’s Discus” due to its similar body shape and vibrant colors but lower maintenance needs.
-
Their parental instincts are highly developed—both parents fan the eggs and defend fry.
FAQs
1. Are Steveni Taiwanese cichlids aggressive?
They are semi-aggressive, especially during breeding. However, in a spacious tank with proper tankmates, they are generally peaceful and well-behaved.
2. How big do Steveni Taiwanese cichlids get?
They can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) in length. Males tend to be slightly larger and more colorful than females.
3. Can Steveni Taiwanese live with angelfish?
Yes. With proper tank size and space, they can cohabit peacefully with angelfish, provided there are plenty of hiding spots and territories.
In summary, the Steveni Taiwanese (Cichlasoma severum “Steveni Taiwanese”) is a stunning freshwater fish that combines color, grace, and intelligence. Perfect for intermediate aquarists, it offers a rewarding experience when cared for properly, with the bonus of fascinating social and parental behaviors that make it a true centerpiece of any community aquarium.
