Balaji R

Just moments back i posted a question on Golden Severum. I am very much interested with this fish as it is very mischievous. So with lots of interest am raising this question.

For this 3 months is was eating fine and more interested in eating Coriander Leaves, munches it at regular intervals. It doesnot care about any other fishes, except it chases down the White Balloon Molly fishes and White Cichlids(common cichlid not sure of the species). Roams all over the tank happily and joyfully.

But for past one week, it is not eating the pellets, tubix and freezed brine shrimps. Instead it keep on digs out the gravel and keeps on feed on the dirt and spitts it out, not showing any interest at all eating the food i feed. And keeps on takes in the gravel abd spitts it out in some other place, but it doesnot seems to be ill or tired. Does not chases the mollies. What could be the reason for this sudden behavior?

Is there any harm for my fish or is it alright with new interest/hobby?

Info: It is just 5 inches and should be less than 5 motnhs old.

I bought a golden severum fish a 3months ago, and it was just 2 inches, now it has grown up to 5 inches. It shares the 8 gallon tank with small red tailed shark, zebra danios, gouramis and pleco's. All these are small in size now and i knew they tend to grow bigger.

My questions are,

1) How to identify Severums Gender?

2) How long it can grow?

3) How many months will it take to reach its maximum size?

4) What is its life span and how long it can live in home aquatiums?