All fish / Cichlidae

Altum Angelfish

Pterophyllum altum

Also known as altum angel, orinoco angelfish, deep angelfish, altum angelfish, rio negro altum, atabapo altum, peruvian altum, altum scalare, ปลาเทวดาอัลตั้ม, アルタムエンゼル, manfish altum, 埃及神仙鱼

The largest angelfish, with a very tall, compressed body, long sail-like fins, red-brown vertical bars and a distinct notch above the snout. Keepers prize it as a stately centrepiece for tall, soft, acidic blackwater aquariums.

Care at a glance

Care level

Hard

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

18 cm

Temperature

28 to 31 °C

pH

4.5 to 6.5

Smallest tank

400 litres

Keep as

Group of 5 or more

Diet

Carnivore: frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, mysis, krill and quality pellets

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Upper Orinoco basin and Rio Negro tributaries in Venezuela, Colombia and Brazil

Breeding

Pairs lay eggs on vertical surfaces and guard the young, but spawning in captivity needs very soft, acidic, warm water and remains uncommon. Most fish sold are still wild-caught, though captive-bred stock is increasingly available.

Good to know

Needs a tall tank of at least 60 cm depth and stable, very soft warm water; wild fish are sensitive to shipping and disease. Will eat small fish such as neon tetras.