Description
Overview:
The Atabapo Altum Angelfish is the largest and most elegant of all freshwater angelfish species, revered for its tall, gracefully extended fins, compressed body, and striking vertical stripes. This rare Atabapo variant features deeper red hues in the head and gill plates, adding a fiery accent to its silver and bronze body. It's a true showpiece for serious aquarists and biotope enthusiasts.
Origin:
Collected from the Atabapo River, a tributary of the upper Orinoco River in Venezuela, Pterophyllum altum thrives in soft, acidic blackwater conditions among submerged roots and leaf litter.
Feeding:
Altums are omnivorous, with a preference for protein-rich foods. Offer a varied diet of high-quality flakes or pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis, and occasional live food for conditioning.
Tank Mates:
Best kept with peaceful, calm species that thrive in similar water parameters—such as cardinal tetras, hatchetfish, rummy nose tetras, pencilfish, and Corydoras. Avoid fin-nipping or boisterous species that may stress the Altum.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 82–86°F (28–30°C) -
pH: 4.5–6.5 -
GH: 1–5 dGH (very soft water) -
Minimum Tank Size: 75+ gallons, 24"+ height recommended -
Requires pristine water, gentle flow, and regular maintenance
Aquascaping Tips:
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Mimic their natural habitat with driftwood, tall plants, leaf litter, and subdued lighting -
Blackwater setups with tinted water (from botanicals or peat) are ideal for long-term health and stress reduction
Special Notes:
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Sensitive to water quality – ideal for advanced aquarists -
Can be shy initially; becomes confident once acclimated -
May form pairs and breed in soft, clean conditions -
Known for their graceful swimming and calm presence
The Atabapo Altum Angelfish is not just a fish—it’s a statement. Ideal for aquarists seeking an authentic South American biotope, or a centerpiece species with unmatched elegance, personality, and rarity. With proper care, this living artwork will thrive and mesmerize for years.
DX courier delivery is £20 per livestock order.
Delivery is scheduled for your selected delivery date and typically arrives before 1pm.
There is no minimum or maximum order value.
Additional information:
- In-stock livestock orders will be processed and dispatched for delivery on the date selected on the cart/basket page.
- Available delivery days are Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
- If any stock issues affect your chosen delivery date, we will contact you as soon as possible by email or telephone.
- Shipping for dry goods is charged separately from livestock delivery. Dry goods are dispatched according to our standard delivery policy.
- All livestock remains covered by our 7-day guarantee.