Is the Altum Angelfish good for beginners?

Altum Angelfish are considered an advanced-level species, since they need soft, strongly acidic water with almost no hardness and consistently warm temperatures. It's best to have some fishkeeping experience before adding one to your tank.

How big do Altum Angelfish get?

Adults reach a total length of about 18 cm, with body height reaching around 20 cm. That makes them noticeably taller-bodied than most other angelfish species.

Are Altum Angelfish subject to CITES?

Altum Angelfish are not subject to CITES.

Should I keep them alone or in a group?

They tend to settle in and appear calmer when kept in a small group rather than alone. If mixing with other species, choose calm, compatible tankmates.

How large a tank do I need?

Since body height can reach around 20 cm, you'll need enough tank height, not just swimming space. Plan your tank setup around their adult size in advance.

Altum Angelfish

The Altum Angelfish is a large angelfish species native to the upper Orinoco River and the upper Rio Negro. Its body height can reach around 20 cm, and it's instantly recognizable by its steeply concave forehead and elegantly trailing fins. Altums glide through the water with a graceful, almost ethereal poise that has made them a favorite among serious aquarists. They're generally calm in temperament and tend to settle in best when kept in a small group of their own kind, but they're demanding when it comes to water conditions, requiring soft, strongly acidic water with almost no hardness and relatively warm temperatures maintained consistently. Because of this sensitivity, Altums are considered a fish for experienced keepers who already have solid fishkeeping experience.

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About Altum Angelfish

The Altum Angelfish is a large angelfish native to the upper Orinoco and Rio Negro rivers, reaching around 20 cm in body height. Learn about its elegant form and the advanced-level water conditions it requires.

7 things to know before welcoming a Altum Angelfish

1Water Chemistry Is Critical
Altum Angelfish thrive in soft, strongly acidic water with almost no hardness. Without stable water chemistry they can become stressed easily, so regular testing and consistent partial water changes are essential.
2Keep Temperatures Warm
These fish need relatively warm water maintained consistently, reflecting their native habitat. Use a reliable heater and thermometer, and avoid sudden temperature swings.
3A Tall-Bodied Species
Adults reach roughly 18 cm in total length, with body height reaching around 20 cm. That's noticeably taller than most other angelfish, so your tank needs enough vertical space to accommodate them.
4The Distinctive Concave Snout
Altums have a distinctively concave profile between the forehead and snout. This striking silhouette is one of their signature features and becomes more pronounced as they mature.
5Best Suited to Experienced Keepers
Because they're demanding about water quality and temperature stability, Altums are considered a fish for experienced keepers. It's best to have some solid fishkeeping experience before bringing one home.
6Calmer in Small Groups
Altums tend to settle in and display calmer behavior when kept in a small group rather than alone. If housing them with other species, choose tankmates with similarly gentle temperaments.
7Plan for Tank Height
Since body height can reach around 20 cm, tank height matters just as much as swimming space. Plan your setup in advance with their adult size in mind.

Frequently asked questions about Altum Angelfish

Q.Is the Altum Angelfish good for beginners?: A.Altum Angelfish are considered an advanced-level species, since they need soft, strongly acidic water with almost no hardness and consistently warm temperatures. It's best to have some fishkeeping experience before adding one to your tank.
Q.How big do Altum Angelfish get?: A.Adults reach a total length of about 18 cm, with body height reaching around 20 cm. That makes them noticeably taller-bodied than most other angelfish species.
Q.Are Altum Angelfish subject to CITES?: A.Altum Angelfish are not subject to CITES.
Q.Should I keep them alone or in a group?: A.They tend to settle in and appear calmer when kept in a small group rather than alone. If mixing with other species, choose calm, compatible tankmates.
Q.How large a tank do I need?: A.Since body height can reach around 20 cm, you'll need enough tank height, not just swimming space. Plan your tank setup around their adult size in advance.

Useful tools for Altum Angelfish care

💧Aquarium Volume CalculatorCalculate water volume, weight, and heater wattage from tank dimensions 🧪Water Quality CheckerFind compatible fish, shrimp, plants & corals based on pH, temperature & hardness 🍽️Feeding GuideCheck feeding frequency, portion sizes & supplements by species and growth stage 🤝Compatibility CheckerCheck compatibility between two species on a 5-level scale 📊Fish Compatibility MatrixCheck fish compatibility at a glance with our matrix chart 🔄Nitrogen Cycle GuideAuto-calculate bacteria colonization timeline for new tank cycling 🗓️Seasonal Care CalendarMonthly care events and seasonal management tips at a glance 🚿Water Change CalculatorAuto-calculate optimal water change frequency and volume by tank size and fish count 🐠Stocking CalculatorCalculate max fish capacity for your tank size with overstocking alerts ⚡Electricity Cost SimulatorCalculate monthly and annual electricity costs for care equipment with presets 🧬Breeding PlannerSelect parent varieties to view breeding schedules and offspring patterns 🏞️Tank Layout PlannerGet substrate, plant & hardscape suggestions based on tank size and style 🧮Care Cost SimulatorEstimate initial, monthly & annual costs by category, care level and quantity ⚖️Species Comparison ToolCompare two species side by side: care difficulty, size, lifespan & temperature 🎯Pet Match DiagnosticAnswer 7 questions to find your top 3 perfect pets 📋Lifetime Cost SimulatorEstimate lifespan and lifetime costs by species for dogs, cats, reptiles and more 🚚Transport Safety CheckerCheck transport safety score and precautions by category, season, method and distance 💊Medication Dosage CalculatorCalculate proper medication dosage by body weight and medicine type for fish, reptiles, and small animals ⏱️Quarantine & Acclimation TimerManage quarantine periods and acclimation steps with countdown timers. Includes recommended durations by species

Learn more about Altum Angelfish in the encyclopedia

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Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.

Altum Angelfish related articles

How to Care for Altum Angelfish | Care Difficulty and Water Quality Management of the Premier Angelfish Species

Guide to caring for Altum Angelfish, called the pinnacle of tropical fish. Introduces ultra-soft water, weakly acidic water quality management, the necessity of large tanks, and tips for group rearing.

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