How big do Altum Angels grow?

What is the difference between Pterophyllum scalare and altum altum?

Pterophyllum altum, more simply known as the altum angelfish, is not commonly seen in the aquarium trade. It is larger, deeper, and flatter than the common species, P. scalare, and all of the cross-bred mutations. Altum angelfish are more sensitive to changes in water conditions, and they require larger, deeper tanks.

What is the altum angelfish?

The Altum Angelfish is a slightly more demanding fish breed than the ones before. Why? This type needs to be kept in special water conditions. For instance, the water temperature must be higher, at 82 to 90 degrees. Also, the pH level has to be always between 4.8 and 6.2.

What do you need to know about the altum angel fish?

This fish has no tolerance for dissolved wastes. The altum angel is suitable only for advanced Tank Setup: Plants and wood will provide necessary cover for this skittish species. A very large (and high) aquarium with powerful filtration and frequent, large water changes are required. Feeding: A carnivore and stealth predator.

Is there such a thing as an altum angelfish?

I should point out that P. altum is rarely bred in captivity. For the most part, the Altum Angelfish found in the trade are usually wild-caught; captive-bred Altums are few and far between, and good quality ones are more expensive than comparably-sized wild counterparts.

Are altum sizes measured in height or height?

Given the DOAs and the sizes, any vendor should expect a complaint asking to be made whole. The DOAs were blamed on the shipping carrier (and not what I felt was improper packaging). The first rebuttal on size was that “Altums are measured in height”. Even so…3-4 cm? It took this picture, with scale in CM, to finally make headway.

What is the difference between Pterophyllum scalare and angelfish?

Of the three, Pterophyllum scalare is the one with by far the widest geographical range. However, wild-caught Pterophyllum scalare are rarely seen in aquarium shops though, so our idea of what a Common Angelfish looks like is largely based on the farmed Angels in the trade.

Why are Peruvian Altums called Peruvian Altums?

So it was that they became known as Peruvian Altums, and while they certainly had many physical similarities with Pterophyllum altum, they turned out to be rather easier to keep and breed. Ultimately, ichthyologists concluded that the Peruvian Altum is probably some sort of Pterophyllum scalare endemic to the Rio Nanay.

What is the difference between an altum and a normal angelfish?

Altum angels make stunning specimen fish, although it is not uncommon to see normal angels sold as Altums, so be wary when purchasing. P. leopoldi are very rarely seen for sale and in contrast to altums, are more elongated, and if you are used to seeing normal angelfish they can look oddly stretched.

How to identify a true altum?

True altums, to be positively identified as such, must be verified more by exactly where they were collected it seems. In the wild there is the possibility of some crossing between altum, scalare, and what is usually termed leopoldi, with geography limiting to a large extent what can, or should be able to cross.

Are “captive bred” angelfish PT altum?

These young silver angelfish egregiously sold as “Captive Bred” or “Tank-Raised” Altums were definitively not Pt. altum, despite carrying a price tag which might have suggested otherwise. They did make really nice wild-type babies…but certainly no altums.

Is the Peruvian altum an endemic to the Rio Nanay?

Ultimately, ichthyologists concluded that the Peruvian Altum is probably some sort of Pterophyllum scalare endemic to the Rio Nanay. There seem to be distinct populations of Pterophyllum scalare across the Amazon and Orinoco region, such as the ‘red shoulder’ Manacapuru variety sometimes seen in the better aquarium shops.

Are altum angelfish hard to keep?

The Altum Angelfish can be very challenging to keep, however, and is a poor choice for beginning fish keepers. They are prone to hole in head disease, have trouble dealing with nitrates, and are susceptible to stress-related diseases.

What is a Peruvian altum angelfish?

The Peruvian Altum Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare “Peruvian Altum”) is an uncommon variant of the classic angelfish. It has an extra tall body for its species and for a time was misidentified by some as the uncommon true Altum Angelfish (Pterophyllum altum), which is often wild-caught and much less durable than P. scalare.

What is the most peaceful angelfish?

The Altum is considered the most peaceful of all angelfish species. It is a bit timid, however, and can be frightened by shadows and fast movements. This is especially true when this fish is first introduced to a new home, but once acclimated, it is a friendly and personable fish.

Is the Peruvian altum angelfish reclusive?

It is not overly reclusive, but this fish strongly prefers the cover of plants and, due to its body shape, is not likely to seek refuge in rock caves and similar structures. The Peruvian Altum Angelfish is generally compatible with other peaceful fish as long as it has plenty of space.

What is the best pH level for angelfish?

A pH level of 4.5-6.5 is suitable for Altum Angelfish. They prefer very warm water and they are best kept in 28-30°C / 82-86°F. The nitrates levels should be kept very low and the water should be slightly circulated to mimic the environments this species are normally found in, in the wild.

Which angelfish are the most relaxing?

The Black Lace Angelfish is a more relaxed breed, that doesn’t seem to like a noisy environment. Differently from the others already mentioned, this type isn’t an active swimmer.

Are Peruvian altum angelfish territorial?

The Peruvian Altum Angelfish is generally compatible with other peaceful fish as long as it has plenty of space. Territoriality is typically at its peak during spawning.

Can altum Angels and discus live together?

So the ones that are close to being with the Discus are my Altum Angels. Turns out they can survive together as long as there is a fair amount of food for the angels and discus. I have about 10 discus and 20 Altum Angels.

Are killifish friendly fish?

Killifish come in a wide variety of bright colors. They are extremely hardy fish, and there are over 700 species of killies – a breed to suit almost every tank condition. These fish are generally peaceful and do well in community tanks with other small, non-aggressive fish.

How many fish can I keep in a 15-gallon tank?

You can maybe keep 15-25 if you don’t mind some work. However, this is what most beginners do, they buy a 15-gallon tank and fill it with a few fish without doing a little bit of research. But you’re not like most people and you at least asked the question, so good on you.

Is a 5 gallon tank big enough for a beginner fishkeeper?

That’s not to say that a novice fishkeeper can’t maintain a thriving 5-gallon tank, but don’t be fooled into thinking a smaller aquarium requires less attention, and maintenance, than a 30-50-gallon tank.

How to keep fish alive in a 5-gallon tank?

Be Mindful of Flow Rate: It’s easy to create a virtual torrent in a 5-gallon tank. While some fish prefer faster flowing water over-filtering can stress fish like Betta and Gourami easily in a small tank. Decorate Carefully: Decorations like rocks and driftwood are nice, the latter can even be healthy.

How many gallons do I need for my Aquarium?

A 5-gallon tank will often lose 20% or more of the water volume with basic decorations. For a complete amateur, a tank in the range of 20-40 gallons will be much easier to manage. 10 gallons is the minimum recommended and still requires careful monitoring of the water column to be a success.