True Altum Scalar - Pterophyllum altum

TheAltum angelfish, Pterophyllum altum, is the largest species among the angelfish. It is also like its relatives a cichlid from South America whose scientific species name "altum" refers to its overall body height. It can be distinguished from Pterophyllum scalare by smaller and more flank scales, as well as more fin rays, and also a more pronounced frontal line and stripes continuing on the caudal fin.
Altum angelfishes were first scientifically described in 1903 and have been pleasing aquarists since the '70s. With a possible final size of almost 40 cm body height, it represents the largest species of angelfish and is only suitable for very high aquariums. Its original habitat is in the upper reaches of the Orinoco and de Rio Negro.

Our Altum angelfish are offspring.

With the typical round body Altum angelfish can be easily recognized, due to its extreme body height it also appears flatter than other angelfish. The distinctive long fins therefore gave him the name "pteron" for sail and "phyllum" for leaf. It has a terminal mouth. On its silver to golden ground color there are several broad vertical stripes that extend from the head to above the caudal fin. With a final size of nearly 40 cm in height and 20 cm in length, it is strongly recommended to place more emphasis on aquarium height than length when selecting an aquarium for the Altum Angelfish. With a possible age of more than 10 years, the Altum Angelfish is a great tankmate for a long time. With about half a year Angelfish become sexually mature for the first time, about 2 years later they are fully grown.

The sex differentiation with the Altum Angelfish is as difficult as with its relatives. Because of this and the fact that it is a sociable animal that only feels comfortable in a group, it should be kept with several conspecifics. Harmonious pairs will form here over time.  By thoroughly cleaning flat rocks as a possible spawning substrate, the females indicate their readiness to mate. They lay their eggs on vertical objects in rows. The pair defends their territory and fry vehemently. Generally, breeding the Altum Angelfish is considered difficult and is most likely to be worthwhile in a species aquarium.

Altum angelfish are group animals that should be kept together with at least 5 conspecifics. Please note that you should plan a water volume of about 80 liters per angelfish. Also, the aquarium should allow at least a height of 70-80 cm free swimming space. Aquariums of 450 liters and more should be the minimum for these wonderful animals. Angelfish tend to be anxious, especially in low aquariums and with unsuitable co-stocking. This stress can quickly affect their health. Since mating angelfish pairs in particular are territorial, the substrate should have a good infrastructure so that the animals can swim out of each other's way and show each other clear territorial markings.  A generous swimming area should not be left out of sight, also planting with large-leaved Sword plants is excellent, because the females like to spawn especially on these leaves. Altum angelfish are somewhat more demanding regarding their water values and prefer very good hygiene. Their water should therefore have a total hardness (GH) of 3 to 15 °dGH and a pH between 6 and 7.5. Tempered changing water during water changes, as well as enriching with Alder cones, Sea almond tree products or liquid Humic substances therefore supports the body's own immune defense of the animals and the well-being.

Corydoras, Ancistrus and larger Tetra are suitable as by-fishin the Altum-Skalar-Aquarium excellently.  Pronounced fin-nibbling fish such as Sumatran barbs, Red of Rio or blood tetras should be avoided if possible. Invertebrates such as shrimp and minute crayfish are likely to be eaten by the Altum Angelfish.

As carnivores, Altum Angelfish feed in their habitat on approaching insects and minute crustaceans, so they should only be fed very high quality foods, as they have difficulty digesting and excreting unnecessary fillers, which in turn have a negative effect on their water quality. For his diet, a flake food or slowly sinking granulated food for carnivorous ornamental fish is a good choice. Also, its feeding schedule can be enriched with perfect live food or frozen food such as Artemia mosquito larvae, daphnia or water fleas .

Our food recommendation: The NatureHolic Cichfeed has a grain size of 1.5 mm and is therefore suitable for larger fish. NH Cichfeed is a soft granulate for mainly carnivorous ornamental fish. It has the same consistency as small crustaceans and insect larvae that fish naturally eat, and the soft granules protect the fish's mouth from micro-injuries that can result from hard feed granules.

Our plant recommendation: Use for planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.