Albino Altum Angel
Albino Altum Angel (Pterophyllum altum) is the albino form of the magnificent Altum Angelfish — the same towering size and dramatic fin proportions as the standard Altum, but with reduced pigmentation producing a pale white to cream body with red or pink eyes. The reddish-brown bars of the wild type are replaced by faint yellowish or absent markings on the pale background.
Feeding & Care Tip: Altum Angelfish benefit greatly from a varied diet heavy in frozen and live foods. Supplement Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes and Hikari Micro Pellets generously with Hikari Frozen Bloodworms, Hikari Vibra Bites, and Hikari Frozen Brine Shrimp. Newly arrived altums may be reluctant to accept dry foods initially — offer frozen foods first to establish feeding, then gradually introduce dry staples.
Albino Altum Angels are rare — combining the rarity of the altum species itself with the additional rarity of the albino mutation. All the care requirements of the standard Altum apply, with the additional consideration that albino fish are more sensitive to bright lighting. Provide dimly lit areas or floating plants to diffuse lighting.
Altum Angelfish are more challenging to breed than scalare and have more demanding requirements. Pairs form strong bonds and require pristine, very soft acidic water to spawn successfully. Wild-caught altums can be particularly reluctant to breed in captivity without a conditioning period of excellent food and very stable soft acidic water. When spawning does occur, biparental care is attentive — flat vertical surfaces or broad leaves make preferred spawning sites.
Altum Angelfish require a substantially larger and taller aquarium than scalare — a minimum of 30 inches of water depth for adult altums, as they can reach 18 inches or more in height including fins. Pristine water quality with very low nitrates is essential. Soft, acidic water — ideally filtered through peat or using RO water — is important not just for color but for long-term health. Gentle filtration, heavy planting, dim lighting, and tannin additions from driftwood and leaf litter replicate the blackwater habitat of the upper Orinoco. Altums are sensitive to stress and shipping — allow adequate settling time after arrival before attempting to feed.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Advanced |
| Temperament | Peaceful — territorial when breeding |
| Typical Adult Size | 7 inches body / up to 18 inches tall including fins |
| Min. Group Size | 4–6 minimum as juveniles; pairs as adults — needs large tank |
| Ideal Temp | 78–86°F (26–30°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–6.8 |
| Ideal GH | 1–8 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 0–4 dKH |
| Staple Food | Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes; Hikari Micro Pellets |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms; Hikari Vibra Bites; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp — varied frozen diet important for altums |
| Origin | Upper Orinoco River basin, Venezuela and Colombia (wild-caught or F1) |
| Notes | Albino form of P. altum — rare and unusual. Same demanding care as standard Altum. More light-sensitive than standard forms — provide shaded areas. Very soft acidic water essential. Large tall tank required. |
