Pterophyllum altum (Wild)

Pterophyllum altum is the most impressive of the three angelfish species, capable of reaching 30cm in total height in the aquarium. Wild specimens collected from the Orinoco and upper Rio Negro exhibit flawless silver barring with deep red-orange pigmentation in the dorsal and caudal fins, and a distinctive pre-dorsal notch absent in P. scalare. Wild-caught individuals are notoriously difficult to acclimatise, requiring extremely soft, highly acidic, warm water and an absence of disease and stress. Once settled, they reward their keeper with extraordinary grace and presence.

Water: 27–31°C, pH 4.5–6.0, extremely soft (GH 0–5); use RO water with Indian almond leaf conditioning. Tank: Minimum 350L, tall (60cm+ height); no aggressive tankmates; low flow; dim lighting. Feeding: Carnivore; live or frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia, micro-prawn; wean onto frozen slowly. Breeding: Open surface spawner; wild fish are difficult to breed in captivity without ideal water chemistry. Compatibility: Only with very peaceful soft-water species; avoid any boisterous or nippy tankmates.