Dive into the enchanting world of Altum Angelfish, the regal inhabitants of Amazonian waters. These Pterophyllum altum varieties captivate aquarium enthusiasts with their elegant fins and striking presence. As a prized species among freshwater angelfish, they bring a touch of wild beauty to home aquariums.
Altum Angelfish, native to the Orinoco and Atabapo river basins, stand out with their tall, diamond-shaped bodies and long, flowing fins. Their unique features make them a sought-after centerpiece for aquarists looking to create stunning underwater displays.
Caring for these Amazonian cichlids requires attention to detail. They thrive in tanks of at least 55 gallons, with water temperatures between 76°F and 82°F. Regular maintenance, including weekly water testing and bi-weekly changes, ensures their health and vitality.
While Altum Angelfish can be challenging to keep, their beauty and grace make the effort worthwhile. With proper care and a well-planned aquarium setup, these majestic creatures can flourish, bringing a piece of the Amazon to your home.
Key Takeaways
- Altum Angelfish are native to Amazonian river basins
- They require spacious tanks of at least 55 gallons
- Ideal water temperature ranges from 76°F to 82°F
- Regular maintenance is crucial for their health
- Altum Angelfish make stunning centerpieces in aquariums
- Proper care can lead to successful breeding in captivity
Introduction to Pterophyllum Altum: The Regal Amazonian Cichlid
Pterophyllum altum, also known as the Altum Angelfish, is a stunning Amazon Basin fish. It attracts aquarium lovers all over the world. This majestic cichlid comes from South America’s lush waterways, adding Amazonian charm to tropical tanks.
Origin and Natural Habitat
Altum Angelfish come from the Orinoco River Basin and the Upper Rio Negro watershed. They live in the waters of Southern Venezuela, Southeastern Colombia, and Northern Brazil. Their home is slow-moving, acidic waters full of submerged plants.
Distinct Features of Altum Angelfish
Altum Angelfish are known for their tall, triangular bodies and long fins. They can grow up to 15 cm long, including their fins. Their striking look includes:
- Vertical black stripes on a silver body
- Elongated dorsal and anal fins
- Large, expressive eyes
Popularity in the Aquarium Hobby
Altum Angelfish are loved by many for good reasons:
Characteristic | Appeal |
---|---|
Unique Shape | Adds vertical interest to tanks |
Graceful Movement | Creates a serene aquarium atmosphere |
Intelligence | Recognizes owners and interacts |
Longevity | Can live up to 12 years in captivity |
These cichlid species do well in well-kept tropical tanks. They are a favorite among both new and seasoned aquarists. They help bring a piece of the Amazon into homes.
Altum Angelfish: Majestic Centerpieces for Your Aquarium
Altum Angelfish are stunning freshwater angelfish, perfect for your aquarium centerpiece. They have tall, triangular bodies and flowing fins. They can grow up to 7 inches long and 10-13 inches high. Their regal presence turns any tropical community tank into an underwater paradise.
Altum Angelfish live for 10 to 15 years, adding long-term beauty to your tank. They prefer temperatures between 79°F to 86°F and a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. These conditions make them perfect for tropical setups.
When planning your aquarium centerpiece, consider these key points:
- Tank Size: Accommodate their potential 10-12 inch size
- Water Parameters: Maintain optimal GH (3-8 dGH) and KH (1-3 dKH) levels
- Habitat Design: Recreate their native Amazon basin environment
- Community Compatibility: Choose peaceful tank mates of similar size
Altum Angelfish’s graceful movements and striking appearance make them the focal point of any aquarium. Their presence elevates the visual appeal, turning your tank into a living piece of art that captivates viewers and sparks conversations.
Caring for Pterophyllum Altum var. Pasimoni
Proper Angelfish care is crucial for the well-being of your Pterophyllum Altum var. Pasimoni. These majestic freshwater Angelfish need specific conditions to thrive in captivity. Let’s explore the essential aspects of their care.
Optimal Tank Conditions
Creating the right environment is key to successful Angelfish care. Pterophyllum Altum var. Pasimoni needs a spacious tank with clean, well-filtered water. Amazonia Tropical Fish+Plants recommends a minimum tank size of 55 gallons for a small group. Maintain water temperature between 78-84°F and pH levels of 6.0-7.0.
Dietary Requirements
A balanced Angelfish diet is crucial for their health and vibrant colors. Feed your Pasimoni Altums a variety of high-quality foods:
- Live or frozen brine shrimp
- Bloodworms
- Quality flake or pellet food
- Occasional vegetable matter
Health and Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your Freshwater Angelfish healthy. Perform weekly water changes of 25-30% and clean the substrate. Monitor water parameters closely and watch for signs of stress or illness.
Age | Size | Care Level |
---|---|---|
3 months | 2-3 inches | Moderate |
10 months | 4-5 inches | Intermediate |
18 months | 6-8 inches | Advanced |
With proper care, Pterophyllum Altum var. Pasimoni can live up to 10 years. These fish are known for their stunning appearance and peaceful nature, making them a prized addition to many freshwater aquariums.
Remember, successful Angelfish care requires dedication and attention to detail. By providing optimal conditions, a balanced diet, and regular maintenance, you’ll enjoy the beauty of these Amazonian gems for years to come.
Creating a Thriving Ecosystem for Altum Angelfish
Altum Angelfish are majestic and make great aquarium centerpieces. They thrive in environments that mimic their natural home. To create a great ecosystem, think about tank size, water conditions, and plants.
A tank at least 30 inches tall is needed for one Altum Angelfish. For a tank with multiple Altums, choose a 48-inch or larger tank. These fish can grow up to 10 inches tall, so they need plenty of space.
Altum Angelfish like warm water, between 82°F and 86°F. Keep the pH level between 6.0 and 7.0 to match their native Amazon Basin conditions. Regular water changes and good filtration keep the tank clean and healthy.
Ideal Plants for Altum Angelfish Tanks
Choosing the right plants makes your Altum Angelfish habitat look good and work well. Here are some good plant options:
- Java fern
- Anubias
- Amazon swords
- Vallisneria americana
- Cryptocoryne species
These plants offer hiding spots, places for spawning, and help keep the water clean. Floating plants like Hornwort add more shelter and make the tank feel more like their natural home.
Plant Type | Benefits | Placement |
---|---|---|
Large-leaved plants | Spawning surfaces, shelter | Mid to background |
Ground plants | Aesthetics, water purification | Foreground |
Floating plants | Light diffusion, extra cover | Surface |
By picking the right plants and keeping the conditions just right, you’ll have a thriving ecosystem. Your Altum Angelfish will be the stars of your aquarium.
Compatibility and Community Tank Considerations
Creating a harmonious tropical community tank with Altum Angelfish as the centerpiece requires careful planning. These majestic Amazonian beauties can thrive with various species if chosen wisely.
Ideal Tank Mates
Discus compatibility is crucial when picking tank mates for Altum Angelfish. Both prefer similar water conditions, making them great companions. In a 55-gallon tank, start with five or six juvenile angelfish and add other compatible species gradually.
Peaceful bottom dwellers like Corydoras catfish and certain tetras, such as cardinal and neon tetras, are excellent additions. They complement your community well.
Avoiding Potential Conflicts
Altum Angelfish are generally peaceful but can be territorial. Avoid keeping them with small, fin-nipping fish or aggressive species. Adult Altum Angelfish can grow up to 7 inches long and 10-13 inches high.
Ensure your tank mates have enough space. In a 29-gallon community tank, limit adult angelfish to four or fewer.
Enhancing Your Aquascape for Altum Angelfish
To create an ideal environment, focus on recreating their natural habitat. Use tall plants and driftwood for hiding spots and to mimic the Amazonian environment. Keep water temperatures between 78-86°F and pH between 6.0 to 8.0.
With proper care and a well-designed aquascape, your Altum Angelfish can live up to 8 to 12 years. They will be a stunning centerpiece in your tropical community tank.