Pterophyllum altum
Pterophyllum altum was first described by J. Pellegrin in 1903. He indicates in his description that they can be distinguished from the Pterophyllum scalare by their taller build and that Pterophyllum altum has smaller scales. The genus name Pterophyllum comes from ancient Greek and means “fins like a leaf”.
The genus Pterophyllum is part of the Cichlid family (Cichlidae). A very extensive family containing about 253 genera and more than 1778 species. The genus Pterophyllum itself has only 3 species. Pterophyllum scalare, Pterophyllum altum and Pterophyllum leopoldi. Most aquarium enthusiasts just call all 3 species Angelfish.
Please note: sometimes fish are offered under the name Peruvian Altum or Peru Altum. These are not true Pterophyllum altums but local variants of Pterophyllum scalare.
Description
Pterophyllum altum is very similar to Pterophyllum scalare, but there is a difference. The Pterophyllum altum is even flatter and higher than the Pterophyllum scalare. They can reach a height of about 35-40 cm while the length is not much more than 15 cm. The Pterophyllum altum can be distinguished at the top of the head, which shows a sharp inward bend at the top of the eye, this is often called a saddle nose. The stripe pattern of the black bands is the same as that of the Pterophyllum scalare, but between bands 1 and 2 and 3 and 4, we see a lighter grayish-green band. These are absent in the other species.
Difference between male and female
The difference between male and female is normally not visible in angelfish. Only when mating do you see a difference in behavior. Males are then a bit more aggressive and territorial. When laying the eggs, the female’s oviposition tube becomes visible.
Origin
In South America, the Pterophyllum altum is most common near the Orinoco River in Venezuela, especially in the calmly flowing waters.
The Aquarium
Because Pterophyllum altum grows so high and you keep them in a school, we recommend a spacious aquarium of at least 180 centimeters long and 70 centimeters high. Especially when a couple has eggs, they chase away all other fish. If this is accidentally placed in the middle of the aquarium, the other fish will still have some space left and right.
They also love hanging between Vallisneria and other stem plants. Also, make sure to create plenty of open swimming space, they would appreciate this
Water parameters
If the water quality is good, the Pterophyllum altum beautifully displays its deep dark stripes Consider slightly more acidic water with a pH of 5 to 6 and a temperature of 24 to 26 degrees Celsius.
The stripes not only indicate whether the Altum is comfortable but are also a way to communicate.
Diet
The Pterophyllum altum eats just about everything, flake food, live food, dried red mosquito larvae. Make sure you alternate the food. They eat more eagerly when given different types of food.
Character
It is a calm fish that moves statically through the aquarium. It is friendly towards other fish, but if Neon Tetras (Paracheirodon innesi) are added, it will see them as live food. So don’t add fish that are too small. Also the Pterophyllum a ltum prefers a calm environment, so do not place fish that are too busy. When kept with overly active species, the altum will become pale in color and behave shyly.
Breeding Pterophyllum altum
If there are a number of angelfish in the aquarium, a couple will eventually form. The female can be recognized by a thicker abdomen and gender pupil. Once they are ready, the female will lay her eggs on a sturdy leaf or a brood cone, and the male follows her and fertilizes the eggs. If there are fish in the aquarium that come too close, they will be chased away. Once the eggs have hatched, they are still protected by the parents. The parents also raise the small fish. You can feed the fry with brine shrimp (artemia).
Video
Authors
Miko (Sander), John de Lange
Copyright images
John de Lange
