Altum Angel

Altum Angel (Pterophyllum altum) is the king of the angelfish. The Altum Angel is the largest and most spectacular of the three Pterophyllum species. When fully grown, including the dramatic dorsal and anal fin extensions, an adult Altum can reach 18 inches or more in height — a genuinely towering fish that dwarfs all other angelfish and creates an absolutely breathtaking display in a suitably large aquarium. The wild-type coloration is silver with bold reddish-brown bars and red streaking in the fins, giving the fish a warm, richly colored appearance very different from captive scalare.

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.

Native to the upper Orinoco River basin in Venezuela and Colombia, and the upper Rio Negro watershed in Brazil — some of the most pristine, soft, acidic blackwater in South America. The natural habitat has very low mineral content, warm temperatures, abundant submerged wood and roots, and very gentle flow. Replicating these conditions is essential for the long-term health of this species. Most specimens in the hobby are wild-caught or F1, making them significantly more sensitive during acclimation than captive-bred scalare.

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