Altum Angel (Pterophyllum altum) Orinoco

The Altum Angel, commonly referred to as Orinoco Angel, is a striking species of cichlid native to the Amazon and Orinoco River basins in South America. This large and majestic species is highly sought after by aquarium enthusiasts due to its tall, graceful fins and vibrant coloration. However, Altum Angels are known for their specific care needs and require a bit more attention than the standard Pterophyllum scalare (common angelfish). The Orinoco variety is particularly prized for its beauty and distinct coloration, making it a centerpiece in aquariums.

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size:
  • Altum Angels can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) in length, with their fin spans reaching up to 8 inches (20 cm). To accommodate their size and provide enough swimming space, a minimum of 55 gallons is recommended for a pair. A larger tank of 75 gallons or more is ideal, especially if keeping them in a group or with other large species.
• Tank Setup:
  • Substrate: A soft, fine-gravel or sand substrate is recommended, as it is easy on the delicate fins of the Altum Angel.
  • Decor:
    • Use driftwood, rocks, and plants to create natural hiding places and territorial boundaries. These fish enjoy having some hiding spots but also need open areas for swimming.
    • Altum Angels are not known for being plant-damaging, so you can include a variety of live plants such as Anubias, Java Fern, and Amazon Sword.
  • Lighting: Moderate lighting is best, as it mimics their natural environment. Provide shaded areas to give the fish a sense of security.
• Water Flow:
  • These fish prefer a gentle to moderate water flow. A sump or canister filter with gentle current works well to maintain clean water without stressing the fish.

Water Parameters

• Temperature:
  • The ideal temperature for the Altum Angel is between 78°F and 84°F (25°C–29°C).
• pH:
  • They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
• Hardness:
  • Soft to moderately hard water (2–12 dGH) is ideal.
• Ammonia/Nitrite:
  • Both ammonia and nitrite levels should be 0 ppm to maintain a healthy environment.
• Water Changes:
  • Regular 20–30% water changes weekly are recommended to keep water parameters stable and to ensure the health of the Altum Angels.

Diet

The Altum Angel is an omnivorous species, although it is primarily a carnivore in the wild. A balanced diet rich in both plant and animal matter will keep them healthy and vibrant.

• Staple Foods:
  • High-quality pellets or flakes designed for cichlids or omnivorous fish work well as a base food. Ensure that the food sinks slowly, as Altum Angels are naturally mid-to-upper water column feeders.
• Live or Frozen Foods:
  • Offer live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, blackworms, and daphnia.
  • They will also eat mysis shrimp, krill, and earthworms.
• Vegetables:
  • Incorporate blanched vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, peas, and cucumbers for added variety and fiber.
• Feeding Frequency:
  • Feed once or twice a day, offering only as much food as they can consume in 3–5 minutes. Remove any uneaten food promptly to maintain water quality.

Behavior and Compatibility

• Temperament:
  • Altum Angels are generally peaceful, but they can become territorial, especially during breeding. They may show aggression towards other fish of similar size and shape, especially if they feel their space is being invaded.
  • Unlike the more commonly kept Pterophyllum scalare, Altum Angels are more shy and may take time to adjust to new environments or tankmates.
• Activity Level:
  • These fish are active swimmers, preferring the middle to upper levels of the tank. They spend a lot of time cruising through the tank, searching for food and exploring their environment.
• Tankmates:
  • Altum Angels are generally peaceful with other species, but it is best to avoid housing them with aggressive or overly territorial fish. Suitable tankmates include:
    • Tetras, barbs, rainbowfish, and robust catfish (e.g., Corydoras or Glass Catfish).
    • They can be kept with other peaceful cichlids, but be mindful of tank size and the other species’ temperament.
  • Avoid small or fin-nipping fish like guppies or barbs, as these may harass the angels or stress them out.

Breeding

Breeding Altum Angels in captivity can be difficult but rewarding. These fish require specific conditions to breed successfully.

1. Breeding Tank Setup:
   • Set up a breeding tank with soft, acidic water (pH 5.5–6.5) and a temperature of around 80–82°F (27–28°C).
   • Provide smooth flat surfaces like slate or ceramic tiles where the female can lay her eggs. The female usually lays a batch of eggs on vertical surfaces, and the male fertilizes them.
2. Conditioning:
   • To condition the pair, feed a high-protein diet including live foods and frozen shrimp. Offer high-quality pellets to maintain their overall health.
3. Spawning:
   • Once spawning begins, the female will deposit her eggs in a protected area, while the male fertilizes them. Both parents are responsible for guarding the eggs and protecting them from potential threats.
4. Fry Care:
   • After 3–4 days, the eggs will hatch, and the fry will begin to swim freely. They should be fed infusoria or liquid fry food until they are large enough to eat baby brine shrimp.
   • Both parents will protect the fry, and the process can take several weeks until the fry are large enough to be moved to a larger tank or raised separately.

Common Challenges

1. Water Quality:
   • Like all angelfish species, Altum Angels are sensitive to poor water quality. Ensure your tank is well-maintained with frequent water changes and good filtration.
   • Keep ammonia and nitrites at 0 ppm, and nitrates below 20 ppm to avoid stress and illness.
2. Aggression During Breeding:
   • Altum Angels can be territorial during breeding. If you have multiple pairs or species in the tank, aggression might increase. Provide plenty of space and hiding spots to minimize conflicts.
3. Feeding Variety:
   • It is essential to provide a varied diet, including both plant-based and protein-based foods, to ensure optimal health and coloration.

Care Summary

Aspect	Details
Tank Size	Minimum 55 gallons; 75 gallons or more preferred for pairs or groups
Water Parameters	pH 5.5–7.5, 78–84°F, soft to moderately hard water
Diet	Omnivorous: high-quality pellets, live/frozen foods, vegetables
Temperament	Peaceful, but territorial during breeding
Lifespan	10–15 years

The Altum Angel (Orinoco) is a majestic and peaceful species that can make a stunning addition to a large aquarium. While they do require a bit more attention than their standard angelfish cousins, with proper care, they can thrive for many years, rewarding their keeper with striking beauty and a fascinating display of behavior.