The Latin word for tall is altum, which accurately describes the Altum angelfish, the biggest of the freshwater angelfish genus. The Altum is a species of Pterophyllum that originates from the waters of the Rio Orinoco in Venezuela. More specifically, they are found in the Amazon waterway basin where the upper Negro River drains, and from the Orinico river basin.

The Altums appearance is silver with brownish upright stripes. This helps the Altum keep cover easily among elongated stemmed vegetation growing in the Amazon river. The mouth of the Altum looks as though it is pointed. The forehead of the Altum is sharply sloped and the body is taller. Four dark, cross ways bands cover the body, and one or two faint bands are also present. 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.

Being a such a large angelfish, they need a bigger and taller fish tank. Tanks should be a bare minimum of 30" tall and 4 ft long. To provide an ideal natural environment for your Altums some pieces of bogwood ought to be provided, as well as several native plants such as Amazon sword plants. Remember to leave enough room in your tank for free swimming space for your fish.

The water ought to be kept in very soft water that is somewhat acidic. A pH level of 4.5-6.5 is suitable for Altum Angelfish. They favor very warm water and they are best kept in 28-30C / 82-86F. The nitrates levels ought to be kept very low and the water should be somewhat circulated to imitate the ecosystem this variety are generally found in the wild. It is tremendously key to maintain high water quality to successfully keep this variety.

Since the Altum is typically a wild caught fish, they can be much more complicated to care for than the more common angelfish, the Scalare. As a result, few people try to raise Altums.

Because they are wild caught fish, Altums can be challenging to locate at times. And one must be careful of imitation Altums being sold. They can be challenging to discern from Scalares if not well trained.

Altums are not ideal community fish, but they are relatively peaceful and generally can be kept with other peaceful fishes from the same region. Fish like Discus and Tetras generally do OK. Altums are cichlids, however, and can be very territorial. Small fish might be considered food and should not be kept with cardinal and neon tetras since Altum angelfish as all angelfish appear very fond of eating these. They ought to by no means be kept with common angelfish given that they can hybridize with (Pterophyllum scalare).

Altums will devour all the time if given the opportunity. They have unquenchable appetites. Coming from the wild, they have a preference for live food, but will eventually accept frozen foods such as brine shrimp and blood worms.

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

Want to uncover other effective Altum Angelfish Tips? Visit our website at http://angelfishbreeding.slhost3.com. While visiting our site you can also sign up for our free "Angelfish Breeding and Care" email mini-course.