Freshwater
Angelfish
More details
Altum Angelfish (Pterophyllum altum)
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Pro
Description
The Altum Angelfish is the tallest and most elegant of the angelfish species, admired for its graceful vertical form and subtle red striping. Native to the Orinoco and upper Rio Negro, it requires tall aquariums, pristine water, and patience to thrive.
Difficulty Level
Expert Only
Region
Altum Angelfish (Pterophyllum altum)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Needs soft, acidic water, vertical space, and consistent conditions. Sensitive to stress and shipping.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Often wild-caught, though sustainable captive breeding programs are increasing in the hobby.
Origin
Found in the blackwater tributaries of the upper Orinoco River in Venezuela and Colombia, and occasionally in the upper Rio Negro in Brazil. Prefers slow-moving, tannin-rich waters under submerged roots.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Tall body with a narrow profile and long, trailing fins. Displays silver tones with three vertical reddish-brown bars and subtle green iridescence. Their slow, deliberate movement commands presence in any tank.
Purpose
Serves as a graceful centerpiece in tall, softwater aquariums. Adds vertical motion and elevates the perceived scale and depth of planted or blackwater layouts.
Importance
Altum Angelfish are a sought-after species for serious aquarists due to their beauty and challenge. Their size and behavior bring a sense of tranquility and stature to the aquarium.
Included Resources
Requires tall tanks (24"+), soft acidic water, and stable temperature. Benefits from driftwood, leaf litter, and vertical hardscape. Prefers subdued lighting and high oxygenation.
Best Use Cases
Amazon biotope tanks, blackwater displays, and peaceful large aquascapes. Pairs well with small schooling fish that stay below their territory.
Conservation Context
Populations are affected by waterway pollution and overcollection in some areas. Choosing tank-bred individuals supports conservation and reduces ecological impact.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Rummy nose and cardinal tetras
• Hatchetfish and pencilfish
• Corydoras (bottom dwellers)
• Discus (if advanced setup)
• Peaceful dwarf cichlids (non-competing)
Region (A)
• Latitude: 4.7085° N
• Longitude: -74.0721° W
(Colombian Orinoco drainage basin)
Region (B)
• Latitude: -0.4891° S
• Longitude: -64.8889° W
(Upper Rio Negro, near São Gabriel da Cachoeira, Brazil)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Altum Angelfish (Pterophyllum altum)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Needs soft, acidic water, vertical space, and consistent conditions. Sensitive to stress and shipping.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Often wild-caught, though sustainable captive breeding programs are increasing in the hobby.
Origin
Found in the blackwater tributaries of the upper Orinoco River in Venezuela and Colombia, and occasionally in the upper Rio Negro in Brazil. Prefers slow-moving, tannin-rich waters under submerged roots.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Tall body with a narrow profile and long, trailing fins. Displays silver tones with three vertical reddish-brown bars and subtle green iridescence. Their slow, deliberate movement commands presence in any tank.
Purpose
Serves as a graceful centerpiece in tall, softwater aquariums. Adds vertical motion and elevates the perceived scale and depth of planted or blackwater layouts.
Importance
Altum Angelfish are a sought-after species for serious aquarists due to their beauty and challenge. Their size and behavior bring a sense of tranquility and stature to the aquarium.
Included Resources
Requires tall tanks (24"+), soft acidic water, and stable temperature. Benefits from driftwood, leaf litter, and vertical hardscape. Prefers subdued lighting and high oxygenation.
Best Use Cases
Amazon biotope tanks, blackwater displays, and peaceful large aquascapes. Pairs well with small schooling fish that stay below their territory.
Conservation Context
Populations are affected by waterway pollution and overcollection in some areas. Choosing tank-bred individuals supports conservation and reduces ecological impact.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Rummy nose and cardinal tetras
• Hatchetfish and pencilfish
• Corydoras (bottom dwellers)
• Discus (if advanced setup)
• Peaceful dwarf cichlids (non-competing)
Region (A)
• Latitude: 4.7085° N
• Longitude: -74.0721° W
(Colombian Orinoco drainage basin)
Region (B)
• Latitude: -0.4891° S
• Longitude: -64.8889° W
(Upper Rio Negro, near São Gabriel da Cachoeira, Brazil)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Altum Angelfish (Pterophyllum altum)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Needs soft, acidic water, vertical space, and consistent conditions. Sensitive to stress and shipping.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Often wild-caught, though sustainable captive breeding programs are increasing in the hobby.
Origin
Found in the blackwater tributaries of the upper Orinoco River in Venezuela and Colombia, and occasionally in the upper Rio Negro in Brazil. Prefers slow-moving, tannin-rich waters under submerged roots.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Tall body with a narrow profile and long, trailing fins. Displays silver tones with three vertical reddish-brown bars and subtle green iridescence. Their slow, deliberate movement commands presence in any tank.
Purpose
Serves as a graceful centerpiece in tall, softwater aquariums. Adds vertical motion and elevates the perceived scale and depth of planted or blackwater layouts.
Importance
Altum Angelfish are a sought-after species for serious aquarists due to their beauty and challenge. Their size and behavior bring a sense of tranquility and stature to the aquarium.
Included Resources
Requires tall tanks (24"+), soft acidic water, and stable temperature. Benefits from driftwood, leaf litter, and vertical hardscape. Prefers subdued lighting and high oxygenation.
Best Use Cases
Amazon biotope tanks, blackwater displays, and peaceful large aquascapes. Pairs well with small schooling fish that stay below their territory.
Conservation Context
Populations are affected by waterway pollution and overcollection in some areas. Choosing tank-bred individuals supports conservation and reduces ecological impact.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Rummy nose and cardinal tetras
• Hatchetfish and pencilfish
• Corydoras (bottom dwellers)
• Discus (if advanced setup)
• Peaceful dwarf cichlids (non-competing)
Region (A)
• Latitude: 4.7085° N
• Longitude: -74.0721° W
(Colombian Orinoco drainage basin)
Region (B)
• Latitude: -0.4891° S
• Longitude: -64.8889° W
(Upper Rio Negro, near São Gabriel da Cachoeira, Brazil)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Altum Angelfish (Pterophyllum altum)
Region
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