Altum Angelfish Information

Altum angelfish are the largest of the angelfish genus. They can reach a length of up to six inches and height of up to 12 inches. The Altum is a species of Pterophyllum that originates from the waters of the Rio Orinoco in Venezuela. More explicitly, they are found in the Amazon river basin where the upper Negro River drains, and from the Orinico river basin.

The Altum angelfish, with their tanned perpendicular stripes and silvery body, are well camouflaged amongst the long stemmed plants that is typical in their natural habitat. Altums have a rather unique shaped mouth, which is rather pointed, and their forehead is sharply sloped. The first dark band runs through the eye; the second runs near the mid-section of the body, while the third runs from the tip of the dorsal fin, through the body, and to the tip of the anal fin. The final band runs on the caudal penuncle.

Since full-grown Altum are very big, they ought to be kept in a tank of no less then 30″ tall and 4′ long. The ideal aquarium setup for your Altum angelfish would also include some sizable pieces of bog-wood in addition to large leafed plants, such as the amazon swordplants. Attention must taken to ensure there is still satisfactory space in the center of the fish tank for open swimming.

Perfect water conditions for your Altums would be very soft and only slightly acidic. A pH level of 4.5 to 6.5 are ideal. The water ought to also be warm, in the 82 to 86 degree range to match natural conditions. The nitrates levels ought to be kept very low and the water ought to be somewhat circulated to imitate the natural environment this species are ordinarily found in the wild. It is extremely critical to maintain high water quality to effectively keep this variety.

Unlike the common angelfish, the Scalare, Altums can be tough to keep and successfully raise in captivity. This is due largely to the reality that just about all Altum sold are wild caught, not domestically farmed. Because of this they can more difficult to obtain and not a lot of individuals try and keep them.

In attempting to acquire Altums, it is sensible to look for an qualified angelfish breeder. Because they are wild caught they can be difficult to obtain, and sometimes imitations are sold.

Altums normally do best by alone, but can be kept with other peaceful species from the matching river region, such a tetras and discus. Being cichlids, Altums can also be quite territorial in disposition. Also bear in mind that no matter how calm Altum appear to be, they will consume smaller fish if given the occasion. Smaller tetras such as cardinals and neons would most likely become costly fish food.

Altums, similar to other angelfish, have an insatiable appetite. Because they are normally caught wild, live food is the ideal cuisine. Most will eagerly accept other foods over time, such as frozen brine shrimp and blood worms.

Even if given a fine diet and fine water quality, the Altum is still extremely tough to breed. Further, just as with the other species of angelfish, it is tough to establish sex outside of spawning, when males have a pointed genital papilla.

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