Altum Angelfish

• ExerciseModerate

  An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• GroomingAttentive tank care

  Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• Living spaceNano-tank friendly

  Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Owner experienceSome experience helps

  A little know-how makes life smoother.

• Commitment8–12 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Ich (white spot) · Fin rot · Parasites

The Altum Angelfish (Pterophyllum altum) comes from the upper Orinoco and Rio Negro drainages and is a separate species from the common angelfish, not a variety of it. Body length reaches about 15 to 20 cm, but the extended dorsal and anal fins can span 40 cm vertically, and a mature specimen is a genuinely imposing fish. It is identified by the sharp notch in the profile above the eye. This is an expert-level species. It needs a tall tank of at least 60 cm height and 400 litres, very soft acidic water, pH 4.5 to 6.0 with almost no hardness, warm at 28 to 30C, and impeccable water quality. Most stock is wild-caught, arrives stressed and parasitised, and needs a careful quarantine before anything else. Feed frozen bloodworm, mysis, brine shrimp and quality flake once feeding is established. It is a peaceful, nervous fish that shoals as a juvenile and pairs as an adult, and its usual causes of death are shipping stress, hard alkaline water and being kept in a tank that is too short. Anyone unsure should keep common angelfish first.

• How active is a Altum Angelfish?

  Moderate. An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• How much maintenance does a Altum Angelfish need?

  Attentive tank care. Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• What tank size does a Altum Angelfish need?

  Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Is a Altum Angelfish a good fit for first-time owners?

  Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

• How long do Altum Angelfish live?

  8–12 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Altum Angelfish?

  Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Fin rot, Parasites. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

Be the first to join this community!