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 vertical stripes. This helps the Altum hide effortlessly between long stemmed plant life growing in the Amazon river. The mouth of the Altum looks as though it is pointed. The forehead of the Altum is steeply 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 big angelfish, they need a larger and higher aquarium. Aquariums should be a minimum of 30" tall and 4 ft long. The perfect fish tank setup for your Altum angelfish would also include some large pieces of bogwood as well as sizable leafed plants, such as the amazon swordplants. Attention must taken to ensure there is still adequate room in the center of the tank for free swimming.
The nitrates levels should be kept especially low and the water ought to be slightly circulated to mimic the environment this species are normally found in the wild. It is extremely critical to keep high water quality to successfully keep this variety.
Unlike the common angelfish, the Scalare, Altums can be difficult to keep and successfully raise in captivity. This is due mostly to the reality that almost all Altum sold are wild caught, not domestically farmed. Because of this they can more challenging to find and not a lot of folks try and keep them.
In attempting to acquire Altums, it is sensible to look for an skilled angelfish breeder. Because they are wild caught they can be difficult to obtain, and now and then imitations are sold.
Altums usually do best by alone, but can be kept with other peaceful species from the matching river region, such a tetras and discus. Being cichlids, Altums can also be quite territorial in disposition. Also remember that no matter how passive Altum appear to be, they will eat smaller fish if given the occasion. Smaller tetras such as cardinals and neons would most likely turn out to be costly fish food.
Altums, similar to other angelfish, have an insatiable appetite. Since they are normally caught wild, live food is the ideal cuisine. Most will gladly accept other foods over time, such as frozen brine shrimp and blood worms.
Even if given a high-quality diet and excellent water quality, the Altum is still especially challenging to breed. Further, just as with the other varieties of angelfish, it is tough to determine sex outside of spawning, when males have a pointed genital papilla.
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