Breeding Altum Angelfish (Pterophyllum Altum) In The Aquarium

Altum angelfish, Orinoco angelfish, Deep angelfish, High-backed angelfish

Distribution

A freshwater species that in natural conditions inhabits both tributaries and main currents of the Amazon, Orinoco, and also the Rio Negro rivers. These are regions with calm flows and rich vegetation.

External Appearance

The species is characterized by a tall body shape (the height of the fish can reach 20 cm), strongly laterally compressed, with a protruding snout. The coloration is gray-olive with a beautiful blue shimmer, with four black, silver-edged, transverse bands, the first of which passes through the fish's eye, and the last is located at the base of the tail. This coloration can change depending on the fish's mood. All fins have long, threadlike extensions. In specimens caught from the wild, black dots can sometimes be seen all over the body. These are parasites' cysts, which are only harmful to birds feeding on the fish. These parasites generally do not threaten the host and are not easily transmitted to other fish. Remember to quarantine newly purchased specimens (2-3 weeks). Sexual dimorphism is basically nonexistent.

Disposition

This is a peaceful, shoaling, and territorial species (especially with age), which can be kept in a community aquarium with suitably sized fish (e.g., neons, micro rasboras, guppies, corydoras) without much difficulty. Smaller species and fry may become a snack for the angelfish. Avoid aggressive, fast-swimming, and fin-nipping fish. This fish likes to sift through the substrate in search of food and, when hungry, may nibble on plants.

Aquarium

The fish prefer spacious, adequately deep aquariums, heavily planted, especially with broad-leaved plants (addition of floating plants is also recommended), with decorative elements in the form of roots, branches, soft, preferably sandy substrate, and weak and diffuse lighting. It is beneficial to add peat to the filter. The fish are sensitive to nitrates, fluctuations in water temperature, prone to hexamitiasis, and sensitive to certain medications (especially copper sulfate and oxytetracycline). Effective filtration and regular partial water changes (about 20% once a week) are required.

Reproduction

An oviparous species. For breeding, the fish need very acidic and very soft water, at the upper end of the temperature range. Pairs form naturally from a larger shoal. 100 to 1000 eggs are usually laid on a root, branch, or broad leaf that has been meticulously cleaned beforehand. Parents may eat the eggs, so the eggs should be immediately transferred to a separate tank. The eggs are sensitive to spoilage (fungal contamination), which can be prevented by adding methylene blue to the water (8 drops per 5 liters of water). Larvae hatch after a few days (depending on the water temperature), and after a week the fry swim freely in search of food. When the fry swim freely, remember to perform regular partial water changes.