The Nicaraguan Cichlid is from Central America and is one of the most colorful fish in the hobby. Nicaraguan cichlids have such a nice blend of yellow, red and blues that they even have the common name of the Macaw cichlid. One interesting note about the Macaw cichlid, is that the female actually has more color than males typically. The photo displayed is a female Nicaraguan cichlid, which has some bright blue around the head and fins, and usually has nice pinkish red along the side. Males will stay a bit more yellowish orange, and will also develop a nuchal hump. Males also have spotting or spangling on their dorsal and caudal fins, while the females do not. The males can reach up to 9-10 inches in length, while the females stay about 7 inches in max length.
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Size | Temperament |
| Heros severus | Golden Deacon | 150-200mm | Peaceful* |
| Water Temperature | Water pH | Tank Size | Diet |
| 23-27°C | 7.7–8.6 | 200 liters | Omnivore |
| Lifespan | Care | Breeding ease | |
| 5 years | Easy | Challenged** |
* Severums, while generally peaceful cichlids, can be territorial, especially during breeding.
**To increase the likelihood of success, allow these freshwater fish to pair off naturally as juveniles. Introducing new fish together likely doesn’t breed results.