Altum angelfish Care Guide

The Altum Angelfish is a remarkable and elegant species well-loved for its visually striking appearance. Known for being semi-aggressive and displaying highly territorial behavior, it requires specific care and maintenance to thrive in a captive environment. Below, you'll find detailed guidance to ensure the Altum Angelfish's well-being in your aquarium.

Care Process

Altum Angelfish are challenging to care for, with a recommended maintenance level set high. They thrive in aquariums that mimic their natural habitats, which are generally rich in dense vegetation and include a mix of surface, mid-tank, and bottom dwelling areas. Providing ample space is crucial with at least 75 liters of water per fish, ensuring they have enough room to establish territories and exhibit natural behaviors. The ideal tank should support social interactions, given their inclination to form small schools of at least five individuals.

Water quality and conditions must be pristine to accommodate their need for a specific environment. The water temperature should range from 24°C to 28°C, with the pH level remaining stable between 6.5 and 7.5. Regular water changes and monitoring of parameters are necessary, given their relatively high sensitivity to fluctuations.

Feeding

The Altum Angelfish's diet should be diverse and balanced. A combination of high-quality flakes and pellets as staple foods will support their nutritional needs. Supplement their diet with protein-rich choices like bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and Tubifex worms. Incorporating freeze-dried foods, algae wafers, and vegetable matter will ensure they receive essential nutrients. For color enhancement, specialized foods are also available.

Feeding should be regular but in moderation, as overfeeding can affect water quality and lead to health issues.

Tank Setup

Creating a naturalistic tank setup is key to keeping Altum Angelfish healthy. Incorporate decorations like driftwood, rocks, and ample plant cover to simulate their native riverine environment. Plants that offer vertical surfaces should be included to cater to their preference for such spots in breeding scenarios.

Lighting should be subdued to replicate the dim conditions of their habitat. Both aquatic plants and the fish will benefit from this light condition, preventing stress and encouraging natural behaviors.

Additional Considerations

Altum Angelfish, while resilient, are considered a rare and expensive species that require attentive care. They should be handled with care during maintenance to prevent stress. Regular observation is important, especially during breeding, as their behaviors change, becoming more aggressive and territorial.

In terms of conservation, the Altum Angelfish is listed under the "Least Concern" category, so while not immediately at risk, responsible aquarium practice is essential for their continued survival in captivity.

Finally, while they are mostly peaceful, it is essential to monitor social dynamics within the tank to mitigate any semi-aggressive or territorial actions, particularly when introducing new fish or during the breeding season.