Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Altum Angelfish
Pterophyllum altum Pellegrin, 1903
Also called Altum angel, Deep angelfish, Orinoco angelfish
From South America: the Orinoco basin (upper tributaries such as the Inirida and Atabapo) and the upper Rio Negro in southern Venezuela, south-eastern Colombia and far northern Brazil.12
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Very tall, side-flattened cichlid with long triangular fins
The tallest angelfish, with sail-like dorsal and anal fins that can stretch the fish to around 20 cm or more from fin tip to fin tip. A sharp notch above the nostrils sets it apart from the common angelfish.12
Personality what they are like
A calm, rather shy cichlid that is easily stressed by rough tankmates; it will however eat very small fish that fit in its mouth.32
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A slow, gliding swimmer that prefers gentle water movement.3
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Suited to intermediate or advanced keepers who can hold soft, acidic, very clean water. Keep flow low and the tank quiet; tank-bred fish adapt to frozen and dried food more readily than wild ones.23
Home where they are happiest
A tall, roomy aquarium with plenty of height, dense and floating plants, roots and a soft bottom. Blackwater conditions: about 27-32 C, pH 4.8-6.2, hardness 0-5 dH.132
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Prefers live and frozen foods; tank-raised fish usually learn to take good frozen and flake foods too.3
Company who they like around
Can be kept in groups with peaceful, larger fish; discus share its water needs and make classic companions.3
The story where it all began
Pellegrin described the altum in 1903, and it is the largest of the angelfish. Wild fish reach shops mostly from late summer to early winter, when river levels allow collection.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It can reach up to about 38 cm in height from dorsal tip to anal tip, according to Wikipedia.2
- 2
True Orinoco altums are identified by a notch above the nostrils.2
- 3
In the wild it often spawns on submerged roots and branches rather than plant leaves.2
- 4
The genus name refers to its tall, wide, triangular dorsal fin.1
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 28 October 2020)1
- Taxonomy
- Described by Pellegrin in 19031
- Family
- Cichlidae (cichlids)1
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for an Altum Angelfish. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Altum Angelfish?
Feed your Altum Angelfish small amounts once or twice daily. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding. For exact amounts, check the food label and consult your vet.3 Pet Wiki plan
What does an Altum Angelfish eat, and what should it never eat?
Your Altum Angelfish enjoys live and frozen foods, and tank-raised fish often accept good flake foods too. What it should never eat isn't specified, so ask your vet or a good breeder for a safe list.3
How much space does an Altum Angelfish need?
This tall, graceful fish needs a roomy aquarium with plenty of height, dense plants, roots, and a soft bottom. Exact space requirements vary, so ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet for the right tank size.132
What temperature, light or water does an Altum Angelfish need?
Your Altum Angelfish thrives in warm, soft, acidic water: aim for 27-32°C, pH 4.8-6.2, and very low hardness. It prefers gentle water movement and a quiet tank with floating plants. Light needs aren't specified, so ask your vet.132
How often should I clean an Altum Angelfish's home?
Clean your Altum's home weekly with a 25% water change and glass cleaning. Furry Diary's plan also suggests rinsing the filter in old tank water monthly. Always test water weekly to keep conditions stable. Pet Wiki plan
Can an Altum Angelfish live with others?
Yes, your calm Altum Angelfish can live with peaceful, larger tankmates like discus. But it may eat very small fish that fit in its mouth, so choose companions carefully.32
How long does an Altum Angelfish live?
The lifespan of an Altum Angelfish isn't given here. It varies, so ask your breeder or an exotic-pet vet for typical longevity.
Can I handle an Altum Angelfish?
Handling your Altum Angelfish is not recommended as it is easily stressed. This shy cichlid prefers a quiet tank with gentle water movement. Always use a net if you must move it.32
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Discus
Freshwater AngelfishWhere this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
- FishBase: Pterophyllum altum fishbase.seused for distribution, size, water parameters, IUCN, etymology
- Wikipedia: Pterophyllum altum en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, appearance, height, identification, care, history, fun facts
- Seriously Fish: Pterophyllum altum seriouslyfish.comused for size, tank setup, water parameters, diet, behaviour, sexing
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.