How is the Altum Angelfish different from standard Angelfish?

Altums (*P. altum*) grow significantly taller, have a distinct sharp notch above their snout, feature fainter intermediate stripes between their bold black bars, and require much softer, more acidic, and warmer water than the standard Angelfish (*P. scalare*).

What size tank do I need for Altum Angels?

Because of their immense height, a minimum volume of 400 litres is required, but the most crucial dimension is height. The aquarium must be at least 60 cm (24 inches) tall to allow their fins to develop fully without dragging on the substrate.

Will Altum Angelfish eat small tetras?

Yes. While they are peaceful towards larger fish, they are natural predators of small fry and tiny fish. Neon tetras and juvenile cardinal tetras will eventually be viewed as food as the Altums reach adult size.

Why are my new Altums refusing to eat?

Most Altums are wild-caught and undergo immense stress during transit. They often do not recognise dry flakes or pellets as food. You must offer live or high-quality frozen foods like bloodworms, glassworms, or brine shrimp to trigger their feeding response.

What is the ideal pH for an Altum Angelfish?

They thrive in highly acidic blackwater conditions. An ideal pH ranges between 4.5 and 6.5, achieved through the use of reverse osmosis (RO) water and tannin-rich botanicals like Indian almond leaves.

FreshwaterTropicalAdvanced

Altum Angelfish

Pterophyllum altum

The Altum Angelfish is a towering, majestic blackwater cichlid revered by advanced aquarists for its impressive vertical stature and graceful presence.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 27 – 31 °C
pH range: 4.5 – 6.5
Hardness: 1 – 5 dGH
Adult size: 15 – 18 cm
400 Litres (requires minimum 60cm tank height): 400 litres+
Lifespan: 10 – 15 years
Diet: Carnivore
Water flow: slow
Preferred setup: Blackwater biotope with tall driftwood, subdued lighting, and leaf litter.

About the Altum Angelfish

Often considered a 'holy grail' species within the freshwater hobby, the Altum Angelfish (*Pterophyllum altum*) is the largest and most demanding of the angelfishes. While their body length may only reach 18 cm, their spectacularly elongated fins can push their overall vertical height well past 30 cm. This extraordinary profile allows them to blend seamlessly amongst submerged roots in their native habitat, but necessitates exceptionally deep aquariums in captivity. Distinguished by a sharp notch on their forehead and bold, dark vertical bars, they are a true showpiece for the dedicated specialist.

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Is it right for your tank?

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Where Altum Angelfish comes from

Native range

Orinoco River basin, Upper Rio Negro basin

Countries / regions

Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil

Habitat

Slow-moving, highly acidic blackwater tributaries flooded with roots, submerged trees, and dense leaf litter.

Primarily found in the upper Orinoco basin and its major tributaries like the Atabapo and Inírida rivers.

Similar species

Freshwater Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
Leopold's Angelfish
Pterophyllum leopoldi
Severum
Heros efasciatus

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Sterba's Corydoras
Corydoras sterbai
Peaceful, occupies the bottom layer, and comfortably tolerates the higher temperatures required by Altums.
Great
Rummy-nose Tetra
Hemigrammus rhodostomus
An active, tight-schooling tetra that grows just large enough to usually avoid being eaten by adult Altums.
Great
Mesonauta Cichlids
Mesonauta spp.
Natural sympatric tankmates from the Orinoco that share similar water requirements and are generally peaceful.
Great
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Although they share the exact same natural habitat, fully grown Altums may view smaller, juvenile Cardinal Tetras as food.
Compatible with caution
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
Too small and will inevitably be eaten. They also prefer much cooler water than Altum Angelfish.
Not recommended
Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
Notorious fin-nippers that will cause severe stress and damage to the Altum's long, trailing fins.
Not recommended

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