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Altum Angelfish
Pterophyllum altum
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Cichlidae
📍 Orinoco & Rio Negro, South America
The largest and most majestic of the Pterophyllum species. Wild altums can reach 50 cm (19.7 in) fin-to-fin and require very tall tanks (24 in+ depth). More demanding than P. scalare — needs soft, acidic blackwater conditions and is sensitive to water quality. Best kept in species-only or large blackwater scapes. Wild-caught specimens are more challenging than tank-bred.
Care Guide
Diet
Altums are carnivore-leaning omnivores requiring high-quality protein. Feed a varied diet of live or frozen bloodworms, white worms, and small crustaceans once daily in small portions. Supplement with quality sinking pellets and occasional vegetable matter like blanched spinach to ensure balanced nutrition.
Behavior
Altums are semi-aggressive, especially during breeding and territorial disputes. They are mid-water swimmers that prefer tall, densely planted tanks with vertical space to display their impressive fins. Wild-caught specimens are notably more skittish and aggressive than tank-bred individuals, requiring calm tank mates and minimal disturbance.
Breeding
Breeding altums in captivity is difficult and rarely successful outside specialized conditions. They require pristine soft, acidic blackwater (pH 4.5–5.5, 1–3 dGH) and tall tanks (24+ inches) to form pairs and spawn. Fry are extremely sensitive to water quality and require infusoria and microscopic foods; most hobbyists find breeding impractical.
Tank Mates
Small, peaceful schooling fish that thrive in soft acidic water; avoid fin-nipping and occupy lower water column
Peaceful algae eaters compatible with blackwater conditions; occupy bottom zone without competing with altums
Small, soft-water tetra that schools peacefully; non-aggressive and compatible with acidic conditions
Ideal blackwater companion; soft-water specialist that schools safely without aggression toward altums
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid gill movement, lethargy, flashing against décor
Raise temperature gradually to 30–31°C, perform 25% water changes daily, use aquarium salt (1 tsp per 5 gallons) or ich medication; maintain excellent water quality
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration, fin loss progressing toward body
Perform 50% water change immediately, improve water quality and reduce ammonia/nitrite, use antibiotic medication if severe; isolate if possible
Bacterial Infection (Columnaris)
White or gray film on body/mouth, lethargy, loss of appetite, rapid gill movement
Isolate affected fish, perform daily 50% water changes, use antibiotic medication (e.g., tetracycline); maintain pristine water conditions and reduce stress
Hole-in-the-Head (HITH)
Small pits or holes developing on head and lateral line, lethargy, poor appetite
Perform frequent large water changes, improve diet with quality foods and vitamin supplementation, use metronidazole if parasitic; ensure excellent water quality and reduce stress
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Carnivore-leaning omnivore – live or frozen bloodworms, white worms, quality pellets
- lifespan
- 10–15 years
- max size
- 18–20 cm (7.1–7.9 in) body; up to 50 cm (19.7 in) fin-to-fin height
- tank size
- 75 gallons minimum; very tall tank essential (24 in+ depth)
- temperament
- Semi-aggressive, especially when breeding
Water it likes
- ph
- 4.5–6.0
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <10 ppm
- hardness
- 1–5 dGH
- temperature
- 81–86°F (27–30°C)