Family: Cichlidae
Distribution: Pterophyllum altum, better known as Altum Angelfish, is a South American freshwater species found in the upper Negro River drainage in the Amazon River basin; in tributaries within the Orinoco River basin, and through to Puerto Ayacucho.
PH: 5.0 – 6.0
Temperature: 27°C – 31C (81 – 88F)
Hardness: 1 – 5 dH
Description: Pterophyllum altum can reach a maximum length of 18 cm; a maximum height of 20 cm. It has a natural base colour of silver, with three brown-red stripes and red striations that adorn the fins. It may display red spots and a blue-green dorsal overcast when it reaches sexual maturity; when aroused, it will show a black operculum spot. This species can live for up to 10 years.
Diet: Pterophyllum altum is perennially in a state of hunger and will accept any flake and pellet foods. You should offer it the occasional serving of brine shrimp and bloodworms to maintain its health.
Breeding: This species requires very soft, acidic water to breed. The female will lay her eggs on broad-leaved plants or on your tank glass. The parents will protect the hatched fry until the next spawning; you can feed the young fry on newly hatched brine shrimp until they are big enough to take crushed flake.
Comments: This species does require strict attention and should only be attempted by hobbyists with plenty of experience under their belt. Keep Pterophyllum altum in a tank no less than 35 gallons in volume; provide a medium-coarse sand substrate, simulated tree roots, and plenty of stones. Be careful: this species has a high mortality rate and must be kept in premium water conditions.
Article/Books:
Recommended Compatible Species: The Altum Angelfish is best kept with large Tetra species and they are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, Corydoras Catfish (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) other species of Angelfish, Clown loach, most Gourami(such as the Blue Gourami) and also many of the large Killifish make great tank mates.
Originally posted 2010-01-17 22:00:58. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Comments on this entry are closed.