Data sheet Pterophyllum altum angelfish
German name:
Pterophyllum altum angelfish
Scientific name:
Pterophyllum altum scalar
Origin:
Orinoco, Rio Negro, Peru
Size:
Body length up to 18 cm, body height up to 35 cm
Aquarium
Length:
Length from 70 cm width and at least 70 cm high
Contents:
from 80 liters
water values
pH:
5 – 7.5
GH:
5° – 10° dH
Behave
Area:
middle area
Lining:
Live food, frozen food, dry food (preferably black and white mosquito larvae)
Behave:
relatively skittish, peaceful
Number:
Group housing, at least 5 animals
Difficulty level:
Beginner
Pterophyllum altum – Altum scalar 8-12cm – Image 3 | © Fishtopia GmbH
Pterophyllum altum – Altum scalar 8-12cm – Image 2 | © Fishtopia GmbH
Pterophyllum altum angelfish come from the Orinoco. They differ from Pterophyllum scalare in the steeply rising head-back line, which is saddle-shaped indented above the snout.
Pterophyllum altum are both wild caught and bred in the trade. Normally Altum wild-caught and Altum offspring are clearly declared in the trade, so that one can choose.
Comparison to classical scalars
Compared to scalars, they are relatively fearful. They show a pronounced swarm behavior and are quite calm. But they also form territories.
At least a small swarm of 5 animals should be kept. Good water quality and regular checks of the usual water parameters are necessary. Altum does not like high nitrate or even nitrite values at all.
In the 1950s and 60s, altums were as popular as discus are today. Some of them are therefore heavily overbred. Therefore, only animals whose origin is known should be bought.
Because Altum used to be considered susceptible to disease due to the demands on keeping, they were crossed with angelfish. These animals do not grow quite as large as pure Altum.
The animals can usually only be distinguished by the indented nose on the altum and the steep forehead. Scalars are much rounder.
Pterophyllum altum Source: Image on Wikimedia Commons License: CC Attr. SA 3.0 Author: Sitron
Wild catches can also show a stronger blue or turquoise shimmer.
Turquoise areas on the forehead in the direction of the dorsal fin are relatively common.
Rarer are animals with orange spots on their foreheads.
Neon tetras should not be socialized with Altum because they like to be eaten by them.
Other tetras of the corresponding size are also endangered, e.g. B. Red-headed Tetra.
12 centimeters high Altum easily eat other fish 3 centimeters in size.
Like other angelfish, altums will eat almost anything that fits in their mouths.
However, individuals can be quite picky.
The keeping conditions for Altums
Pterophyllum altum Source: Image on Wikimedia Commons License: CC Attr. SA 3.0 Author: Sitron
The water for altums needs to be very soft and very acidic. Both wild-caught and F1 bred Altum angelfish are not adapted to the high conductivity of our native waters.
In a scalar book, a pH value of less than 3.8 and an extremely low conductance value are mentioned for altums. It is possible to get the fish to spawn even without these values, but the eggs will certainly not develop.
An osmosis system is therefore a prerequisite for keeping and for successful breeding.
F1 offspring of Pterophyllum altum may have been accustomed to slightly harder water as young fish. They cope with somewhat harder water more easily than wild-caught fish. In the interest of the fish, the water should be as natural as possible.
Like most cichlids, altums and angelfish require shelter, e.g. B. Large roots so that they feel comfortable.
Example of suitable water values:
- pH 5.3 to 6.4
- CH 0.2 to 2
- GH about 0.5 to 6
- CO2 20 to 28 mg/l
- Nitrate maximum 10 mg/l
- nitrite 0
- phosphate 0
- ammonium 0
- O2 8.5 mg/l
- Temperature 28°C
- Conductance 18 µS/cm
The pH value in a Krause flow-through aquarium can be set to low values, e.g. B. 5.3 are maintained by z. B. almost constantly osmosis water with a KH of z. B. 0.2 is supplied.
Fine adjustment is ensured by pH control and CO2 supply.
The temperature should be between 28 and 30°C. High temperatures reduce the risk of infection with Ichthyosporidium.
An aquarium for Pterophyllum altum must be at least 50 centimeters high. Once you have seen adult altums in a large aquarium, you no longer have the idea of keeping these animals in small and medium-sized aquariums.
Already about 1 year old Altum can be almost 30 centimeters high. 40 centimeter high altums are not uncommon. Aquariums that are at least 60 to 70 centimeters high, 100 to 150 centimeters wide and 40 centimeters deep are necessary so that the animals have sufficient swimming space.
Advice on breeding Altum Angelfish
Breeding is considered very difficult. Fish from the Amazon region live in huge bodies of water, in which a few fish occasionally appear. Amazon aquariums are always completely overstocked puddles by comparison. Filters should compensate for this. However, the bacterial density in aquaria is considerably higher than in the Amazon.
Altum breeders try to get as close as possible to the bacterial density in the Amazon. This is why people often speak of sterile water.
>> Details on breeding angelfish
gender differences
Outside the spawning season there are no externally recognizable gender differences. During the spawning season, the females are usually fatter due to the spawning approach.
How wild caught cats can be acclimated:
- In the first few weeks, the animals need rest.
- The aquarium should be densely planted.
- In the rear part of the aquarium, some retreat options are required.
- Frozen food should be eaten from the start.
- When eating, the animals should be observed closely.
- Vegetables should be offered every now and then. Duckweed and smaller pieces of cucumber are sometimes eaten.
- The temperature should be kept at 28 to 29° for about three months. You can try lowering the temperature later.
- If necessary, the animals should first be placed in water with the values of the retailer’s water and then slowly get used to the desired soft water.
Pterophyllum altum:
FAQs – Frequently asked questions about Pterophyllum altum angelfish
How do you recognize altum scalars?
The height of the altum scalar is significantly larger than that of the normal scalar.
What is the life expectancy of Altum angelfish?
Altum angelfish can live up to 10 years if they are kept properly.