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Altum Angelfish, Orinoco Angel, Deep Angel
A disc-shaped, laterally compressed cichlid with tall, erect fins. The body shape is similar to that of P. scalare but the forehead is more steeply sloped and the body is taller. The fins are also more elongated on this species. The body is silver gray with a greenish iridescence. Four dark, transverse bands cover the body, and one or two faint bands are also present. The first dark band runs through the eye; the second runs near the mid-section of the body, while the third runs from the tip of the dorsal fin, through the body, and to the tip of the anal fin. The final band runs on the caudal penuncle.
These cichlids grow to a size of 9" (23 cm) long and 15" tall (38 cm)
They originate from Venezuela, in the Orinoco and the Negro Rivers of
South America. They inhabit the middle of the tank. Mostly because of
their height. Some varieties of Angelfish have long finage and are
referred to as Veiltail Angelfish. They require a tank measuring 48" (122
cm) with a capacity of 55 gallons (209 L). Usually larger tanks are
recommended. The tank should be well-planted with strong, robust
plants. Provide hiding areas with rocks, roots, and wood. Leave an open
swimming area. This Angel prefers peat-filtered water and water
parameters of pH 4.5-7.0 (5.8), dH 0-6 (1), and water temperatures
should be 81-86F (27-30C).
These fish are a peaceful fish that can be kept in a community tank with
other Angels, Catfish, and peaceful cichlids. Do not combine the Altum
Angel with small, slender fish (Cardinals) for these may be eaten. Pairs
form nuclear families. Be careful if combining these fish with Discus as
Discus may not be able to compete.
This Angels should have a varied diet. Live; bloodworms, Tubifex, brine
shrimp, mosquito larvae; flakes; lettuce.
It is hard to determine sex outside of spawning, when males have a
pointed genital papilla. They are difficult to breed and successful spawns
are unusual. Success has been achieved in water with a pH from 5.5-6.0,
a water hardness of 2-4 dH and a warm water temperature of 84-88F
(29-31C). In one case, the pair was kept in a large tank (over 100
gallons) and weekly water changes were made. The parents were fed a
varied diet of live foods and color-enhancing flake foods. 400-500 eggs
were laid. The parents carefully picked through the eggs, eating a great
deal of them. The eggs were then removed and hatched after 3 days. The
fry became free-swimming after 5 more days at which time they were
fed on fine-grade flake food and brine shrimp nauplii. The fry are
delicate but fast-growing, if fed several times a day.
Virtually all fish available on the market are wild-caught. This species
has been crossed with P. scalare. The Altum Angel is a challenging, but
rewarding fish to keep. It should be kept on a varied diet, with
occasional supplements of nutritious live foods. This Angel is sensitive
to changes in water chemistry, pollutants, and subject to infections.
