Altum Angelfish Care Guide
Pterophyllum altum is the tallest angelfish, a blackwater specialist from the Orinoco and upper Rio Negro requiring soft, acidic water.
Overview
Pterophyllum altum is the largest species in its genus, described by Pellegrin in 1903. Wikipedia notes it can reach a height, from the tip of the dorsal fin to the tip of the anal fin, of as much as 38 cm. Its natural base colour is silver with brownish-red vertical stripes, and it bears a distinctive notch above the nostrils.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Pterophyllum
- Scientific name: Pterophyllum altum
- Described by: Pellegrin, 1903
Habitat
According to Wikipedia and FishBase, the species occurs in the Orinoco River basin and the upper Rio Negro watershed in southern Venezuela, southeastern Colombia and extreme northern Brazil, including the Atabapo and Inirida floodplains. It inhabits well-oxygenated, extremely soft blackwater with very low conductivity.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 350 L (about 92 gal)
- Temperature: 28-31 °C (82-88 °F)
- pH: 4.5-6.0
- GH: 1-3 °dGH
- Group size: 4 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
FishBase reports pH 4.8-6.2, dH 1-5 and a temperature range of 27-31 °C; Wikipedia gives pH 4.5-5.8 and 26-29 °C. A tall tank is required to accommodate the elongated finnage.
Diet
FishBase assigns the species a trophic level of about 3.3. In the aquarium an omnivorous diet is offered around twice daily; the species is regarded as a delicate feeder that should be introduced gradually.
Compatibility
Altum angelfish are peaceful midwater cichlids best kept in a small group. They suit soft-water community tanks with calm tankmates and should be kept away from boisterous or fin-nipping species.
Breeding
Wikipedia reports that, unlike related angelfish, Pterophyllum altum prefers to spawn on submerged roots and tree branches in a moderate water current. It is a substrate spawner that is demanding to breed in captivity.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2020).