             |
Pterophyllum Altum Angelfish
Altum Angel Pterophyllum altum Size: up to 6" in aquarium pH: 4.8 - 6.2 kH: 1 -5o Temp:75-85oF Black Water Expert and Peat Granules found at Aquarium Chemicals Origin: Although some experts claim that the true altum is only known from the Rio Orinoco, museum records actually show that the species has been collected from a much wider geographic area, including: the upper Rio Negro basin in Brazil; the Rio Negro drainage in Venezuela; Laja Vendita in Venezuela and many parts of the Rio Orinoco and its tributaries from Colombia to Venezuela. Size: Altums will max at around 15cm/6" body length and often well over 30cm/12" in height. The latin name of this species means "tall". Aquarium: Given the very tall height of this species, it really deserves a special aquarium with a much greater than normal depth. Aim for something of at least 120 x 45 x 75cm/4' x 18" x 30". Furnish the tank with pieces of bogwood. Plants can be added and are usually left alone. Altums mix well with most placid Amazonian fishes, including Discus and small tetras, though they may look upon very small fishes as potential snacks. Water: This species can be found in both blackwater and whitewater (whitewater as in water that isn't black, not the stuff you go rafting on!). The pH and hardness varies with the season and the locality, but it usually falls somewhere between pH 4.0-6.5 with minimal GH and KH. Temperature for these fish is better on the warm side, say 27-30C. P. altum is usually found in lakes or other slow flowing areas with deep water. Breeding: Much more difficult to breed than the common angel, Pterophyllum scalare, but definitely not impossible. In fact, more than one fishkeeper has reported that the species can hybridise with scalare. Follow the same guidelines as for P. scalare and you probably won't go far wrong, although softer, more acidic conditions will probably be needed to get wild fish to spawn. Sexing: Like P. scalare, these are very difficult to sex and most methods for doing so are not very reliable. Similar species: At the moment, there are three valid species in the genus Pterophyllum: P. altum, P. scalare and P. leopoldi (which used to be called dumerillii). There are other subspecies or species in the genus that have yet to be described. The Peruvian altum, for example, closely resembles P. scalare but has a lower number of scales in the lateral series - it is erroneously sold as P. altum. The juvenile Altums that we are selling now are from a breeding pair of Altums that have Peruvian history/blood. These juveniles could essentially throw Pervian characteristics, and the colorations could vary from fish to fish. Still very unique and rare. In summary, it prefers a well-planted tank of at least 30 gallons with soft, slightly acidic water. Rocks and driftwood can be added to the aquarium, but leave plenty of space for swimming. The Altum Angel needs to be fed a variety of foods including vegetables as well as meaty foods. Feed a quality flake food as well as live and frozen foods such as brine shrimp and bloodworms. Approximate Purchase Size: 1.5" to 2" THIS FISH MAY BE OUT OF STOCK FROM TIME TO TIME. IF THE PRICE SHOWS 0.00, WE ARE CURRENTLY OUT OF STOCK
|
||||||
Welcome To Arizona Aquatic Gardens View Shopping Cart (0) | Order Info| Account Info | Contact Infoazgardens.com
CLICK THE "SPECIALS" TAB
ABOVE FOR MONTHLY
COUPONS & DEALS!
Commercial Member:
Association of
Zoological Horticulture
