Altum angelfish
Large freshwater angelfish from the Orinoco Basin.
The altum angelfish is a large cichlid native to the Orinoco River and Upper Rio Negro. It lives in soft, acidic blackwaters and requires specific care in captivity. Wild specimens are harvested seasonally when river levels drop.
- Largest species in the Pterophyllum genus
- Requires acidic blackwater with pH 4.5 to 5.8
- Distinct notch above the nostrils
- Wild collection occurs only from July to October
- Spawns on roots rather than plant leaves
What it is
This fish is the largest member of its genus. It has a silver body with three vertical brownish or red stripes. Red markings extend into the fins. Mature individuals may show red spots and a blue-green sheen on the dorsal fin. A distinct notch above the nostrils identifies this species. When agitated, a black spot appears on the gill cover. The total height from dorsal to anal fin can reach 38 cm.
Where it lives
It lives strictly in the Orinoco River Basin and the Upper Rio Negro watershed. Its range covers southern Venezuela, southeastern Colombia, and northern Brazil. Specific habitats include the Atabapo and Inirida rivers. It also inhabits the Casiquiare and Guainía floodplains. These waters originate from the Guiana Shield Highlands. The environment consists of transparent blackwater with very low conductivity.
How it lives
The species prefers well-oxygenated water with extreme softness. Ideal pH levels range between 4.5 and 5.8. Temperatures stay between 26 and 29 degrees Celsius. Unlike related species that use plant leaves, this fish selects submerged roots and branches for spawning sites. It favors areas with moderate water current. The specific chemical requirements make it sensitive to poor water quality.
Breeding and life cycle
Wild specimens are notoriously difficult to breed in captivity. They do not spawn on broad leaves like their relatives. Instead, they attach eggs to roots and branches in flowing water. This behavior complicates replication in home aquariums. Successful breeding requires precise mimicry of natural blackwater conditions and current flow.
Fish and people
Aquarists consider this species suitable for intermediate or advanced keepers. It demands detailed maintenance to remain healthy. Wild-caught specimens enter the trade seasonally. Collectors can only fish successfully from July to October when river levels are low. Consequently, shops usually stock them from late summer to early winter.
Questions people ask about Altum angelfish
How big does the altum angelfish get?
It is the largest in its genus. Specimens can reach a height of 38 cm from the tip of the dorsal fin to the tip of the anal fin.
What water conditions does it need?
It requires well-oxygenated, extremely soft blackwater. The pH should be between 4.5 and 5.8, with temperatures ranging from 26 to 29 degrees Celsius.
Why is it hard to find in shops?
Wild specimens are only available from late summer to early winter. Fishing is restricted to July through October when river levels are low enough for collection.
Good reading and sources
- Pterophyllum altum on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Pterophyllum altum", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryFish rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.
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