Moderate
Pterophyllum altum Dantume wild form - Freshwater Angelfish
26–30°C · pH 5.5–7 · 200L
£10.99
Orinoco F1 Altum Angelfish (Pterophyllum altum) is a premium tall-bodied cichlid for experienced keepers with a deep, mature, soft-water aquarium and calm tank mates.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.
Pterophyllum altum
Save when buying multiple fish. Each quantity is one fish; sex and pair formation are not guaranteed unless the selected variant explicitly states them.
Orinoco F1 Altum Angelfish (Pterophyllum altum) is a premium tall-bodied cichlid for experienced keepers with a deep, mature, soft-water aquarium and calm tank mates.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.
Freshwater angelfish are tall South American cichlids, not small community fish. OATA gives 120 litres as an industry floor for a compatible pair and says the aquarium must be sufficiently tall. We prefer planning around roughly 200 litres, a 100 × 40 cm footprint and about 50 cm height for an adult pair, with more space and an exit plan for a group.
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
Orinoco F1 Altum Angelfish (Pterophyllum altum) is a premium tall-bodied angelfish for experienced freshwater keepers who can provide height, warm soft water and calm tank mates. These F1 fish are bred from Orinoco-type parents, so they offer the presence of a true altum form with better aquarium adaptability than freshly imported wild stock.
This is not a quick beginner fish or a small community filler. Altums are deep-bodied cichlids with long fins, a cautious temperament and a strong need for stable water quality. If you can offer a mature, deep aquarium and patient acclimation, this is one of the most impressive freshwater display fish you can keep.
| Scientific name | Pterophyllum altum |
|---|---|
| Common name | Orinoco F1 Altum Angelfish |
| Adult size | Usually 15 cm body length, with much greater height when fins are included |
| Minimum aquarium | Plan 250 litres or more for adults, with at least 60 cm of water height |
| Temperature | 26-30 C, stable and well oxygenated |
| pH | Best kept soft and slightly acidic, around pH 5.5-7.0 |
| Temperament | Generally calm, but still a cichlid and territorial when mature or pairing |
| Diet | Quality pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, mysis and other small meaty foods |
Pterophyllum altum is taller, more delicate-looking and more demanding than the common domestic angelfish, Pterophyllum scalare. The long vertical fins and high body shape are the main attraction, especially in a dark, planted aquarium with roots, leaves and soft light.
F1 stock is useful because it sits between wild-type appearance and captive aquarium practicality. These fish still deserve specialist care, but they are generally better suited to aquarium life than newly imported wild altums. Choose them when you want a centrepiece fish and are prepared to build the tank around their needs.
Use a tall aquarium rather than a shallow display. Adult altums need vertical space so the fins can extend naturally, and they look best when they can glide between wood, tall plants and open water. A 250 litre or larger aquarium is a sensible long-term plan, with more space needed for a group.
Keep the layout calm. Smooth wood, broad-leaved plants, floating cover and subdued lighting help them settle. Avoid sharp decor, frantic tank mates and heavy flow blasting across the full tank. Filtration should be strong enough to keep ammonia and nitrite at zero, but the swimming area should still feel steady and sheltered.
| Setup priority | Why it matters for Orinoco Altums |
|---|---|
| Tank height | Adult fins need vertical room; plan at least 60 cm water height. |
| Warm soft water | Supports long-term condition and mirrors the Orinoco blackwater direction. |
| Subdued cover | Wood, tall plants and floating shade reduce stress in cautious fish. |
| Gentle swimming lanes | Strong filtration is useful, but avoid harsh flow across the whole display. |
Altums are sensitive to sudden changes, so stability matters more than chasing numbers every day. Warm, clean, soft water is the target, with low nitrate and careful maintenance. Match temperature and pH changes slowly, and never add these fish to a newly cycled or unstable aquarium.
When the fish arrive, dim the lights, float and acclimate patiently, then give them time to settle without crowding the glass. Appetite can improve after a quiet first day. If your tank is busy, bright or recently disturbed, wait before ordering.
| Water point | Practical target |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Keep warm and stable, usually 26-30 C for altum care. |
| pH | Soft and slightly acidic is best; avoid sudden correction swings. |
| Hardness | Soft water is strongly preferred for long-term condition. |
| First week | Low light, quiet feeding and no major maintenance shocks. |
Feed small portions and keep food quality high. Good cichlid pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, mysis, daphnia and similar foods all work well. Young altums can be shy at first, so make sure food reaches them rather than being taken by faster fish.
Do not rely on generic flakes alone. A varied diet supports body condition, fin growth and confidence. Remove uneaten food quickly because warm soft-water tanks can decline if waste is allowed to build up.
| Food type | Use |
|---|---|
| Soft cichlid pellets | Daily staple once the fish are feeding confidently. |
| Frozen bloodworm or mysis | Useful conditioning foods in small portions. |
| Brine shrimp and daphnia | Good variety for smaller or newly settled fish. |
| Leftovers | Remove quickly to protect warm soft-water quality. |
Choose calm, warm-water companions that will not nip fins or compete aggressively for food. Larger peaceful tetras, peaceful Corydoras in suitable warm water, small plecos and other gentle South American fish can work when the tank is large enough.
Avoid tiger barbs, aggressive cichlids, boisterous bottom dwellers and tiny fish that may be swallowed when the altums mature. If you already keep domestic angelfish, compare temperament and space carefully before mixing forms.
| Tank mate direction | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Larger calm tetras | Usually safer than nano fish once altums mature. |
| Peaceful warm-water Corydoras | Possible where temperature and floor space are suitable. |
| Small plecos | Choose gentle species that will not rasp fins or dominate food. |
| Fin nippers and tiny fish | Avoid; they either damage fins or risk being eaten later. |
For more angelfish options, browse our Angelfish range and freshwater Angel Fish category. If you want another true altum-style listing, compare Pterophyllum altum Dantume wild form. For domestic forms that are usually easier to place in community tanks, compare Rio Nanay Angelfish, Blue Angelfish and Pinoy Black Angelfish.
Watch breathing, fin posture and feeding response during the first week. A healthy altum should hold itself upright, respond to food and cruise calmly once settled. Clamped fins, heavy breathing or refusal to feed after settling time usually point to stress, water quality or tank-mate pressure.
Quarantine is strongly recommended for premium cichlids, especially if they are joining an established display. Keep maintenance gentle and regular: small, consistent water changes are safer than large swings.
Are Orinoco F1 Altum Angelfish beginner fish?
No. They are best for experienced aquarists with mature, tall, warm soft-water aquariums.
How tall should the tank be?
Plan at least 60 cm of water height for adults. Tank height is just as important as litre volume for this species.
Can they live with small tetras?
Very small fish may be eaten once the altums mature. Choose larger, calm tank mates instead.
Are F1 altums easier than wild altums?
Usually, yes. F1 fish are still specialist cichlids, but they are generally more aquarium-adapted than newly imported wild fish.
What should I feed them?
Use high-quality pellets plus frozen foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp, mysis and daphnia. Feed small portions and remove leftovers.
Can I use WELCOME10 on this fish?
First-time customers can use WELCOME10 for 10% off eligible livestock orders. Livestock is sent by licensed live-animal courier where live-animal shipping applies, with our Live Arrival Guarantee.
Order Orinoco F1 Altum Angelfish when your aquarium is already mature, warm, stable and prepared for a premium cichlid. Check the variant selector for the current available size. First-time customers can use WELCOME10 for 10% off eligible livestock orders, and livestock orders are covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee when the receiving and acclimation steps are followed.
| Before ordering | Confirm tank height, stable warm soft water and calm tank mates. |
|---|---|
| On arrival | Dim lights, acclimate patiently and release into a prepared quiet aquarium. |
| First feeding | Offer small high-quality foods once the fish have settled. |
| Guarantee | Follow the receiving steps so the Live Arrival Guarantee remains valid. |
26–30°C · pH 5.5–7 · 200L
25–28°C · pH 6–7.5 · 150L
24–30°C · pH 6–7.5 · 150L
18–26°C · pH 6.5–8 · 30L
23–27°C · pH 7.4–8.4 · 1000L
20–24°C · pH 7–8 · 45L
24–28°C · pH 6.5–7.5 · 2000L
24–28°C · pH 5.5–7 · 60L
22–26°C · pH 6–7.5 · 60L
24–28°C
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 500L
28–30°C · pH 5.5–7.5 · 300L
22–26°C · pH 6–7.5 · 150L
22–26°C · pH 6–7.5 · 200L
22–28°C · pH 7–8.5 · 10L
23–27°C · pH 5.5–7.5 · 80L
