The latin word for tall is altum, which accurately describes the Altum angelfish, the biggest of the freshwater angelfish variety. Altum angelfish come from from South America, in particular the Rio Orinoco river in Venezuela.
The Altums appearance is silvery with brownish upright stripes. This helps the Altum hide effortlessly between elongated stemmed vegetation growing in the Amazon river. Altums have a rather unique shaped mouth, which is rather pointed, and their forehead is steeply sloped. 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.
To sufficiently house such a big angelfish, the fish tank ought to be no fewer than 55 gallons and 30" tall. To supply an ideal ecosystem for your Altums some pieces of bogwood should be provided, as well as a few native plants such as Amazon sword plants. Remember to leave enough area in your fish tank for open swimming space for your fish.
The water should be kept in very soft water that is somewhat acidic. A pH level of 4.5-6.5 is proper for Altum Angelfish. They desire especially temperate water and they are best kept in 28-30°C / 82-86°F. Low nitrate levels and slowly filtered water are also important to keeping Altums healthy. These conditions closely correspond with their native ecosystem. Water quality is a significant component to effectively raising Altum angelfish because nearly all are captured in the in their natural habitat.
The Altum is more difficult to look after than the Scalare, which is more commonly recognizable as the domestic angelfish. For that reason, fewer individuals tend to keep Altums. Altums are usually caught in the wild.
Consequently, it can be difficult to find them in fish stores and the like. If you are trying to acquire Altums, then it is suggested that you procure them from an experienced angelfish breeder
Altums are not ideal community fish, but they are more or less peaceful and by and large can be kept with other peaceful fishes from the same region. Fish like Discus and Tetras normally do ok. Altums are cichlids, nonetheless, and can be very defensive. Also bear in mind that no matter how peaceful Altum appear to be, they will consume smaller fish if given the occasion. Smaller tetras such as cardinals and neons would most likely turn into expensive fish food.
Altums have an exceptionally insatiable appetite. They enjoy eating live foods. As most are caught from the wild, they will prefer to devour live food. Nonetheless, you will be able to feed them food such as frozen brine shrimp, granular fish food, and live and frozen blood worms.
Despite providing great water conditions and a good diet, Altum angelfish can be difficult to raise and even more challenging to breed. Determining the sex can also be extremely tricky, as it is with most of the angelfish varieties.
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