{"product_id":"altum-wild-cichlid","title":"Wild Altum Angelfish","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAbout the Wild Altum Angelfish\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Wild Altum Angelfish is widely regarded as the king of all freshwater angelfish. Native to the slow-moving blackwater tributaries of the Orinoco River Basin in Venezuela and Colombia, this magnificent species is prized for its incredible height, elegant finnage, and distinctive vertical black bands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike common aquarium Angelfish, Wild Altums develop an exceptionally tall, laterally compressed body with graceful trailing dorsal and anal fins. Mature specimens can exceed 40 cm in total height, creating an unforgettable display in large aquariums. Their shimmering silver body, accented by bold black bands and subtle blue-green iridescence, makes them one of the most sought-after fish in the hobby.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWild Altum Angelfish thrive in large, heavily planted aquariums with driftwood, tall plants, subdued lighting, and pristine water quality. They prefer soft, acidic water and should be kept in groups of five or more to encourage natural schooling behaviour and reduce stress. Peaceful tank mates such as Cardinal Tetras, Corydoras, peaceful Geophagus, and other South American species make excellent companions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA varied diet of premium granules, frozen bloodworms, mysis shrimp, blackworms, and high-quality live foods will keep Wild Altums healthy and display their spectacular natural colours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePterophyllum altum\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWild Altum Angelfish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOrigin\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrinoco River Basin, Venezuela and Colombia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAdult Size\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e18–20 cm body length (up to 40 cm total height)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTemperament\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeaceful\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDiet\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOmnivore\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e450 Litres\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTemperature\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e27–30°C\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003epH\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4.8–6.8\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWater Hardness\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0–5 dGH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdvanced\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLifespan\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e10–15 Years\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarge South American planted and blackwater aquariums\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is the difference between Wild Altum Angelfish and common Angelfish?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWild Altums are significantly taller, develop more elongated fins, require softer and more acidic water, and are generally more demanding to keep than common \u003cem\u003ePterophyllum scalare\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAre Wild Altum Angelfish suitable for beginners?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. They require exceptional water quality, very soft acidic water, and a mature aquarium, making them best suited to experienced aquarists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat do Wild Altum Angelfish eat?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey thrive on premium granules, frozen bloodworms, mysis shrimp, blackworms, brine shrimp, and quality live foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan Wild Altum Angelfish live with Discus?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. They are excellent companions for Discus, as both species thrive in warm, soft, acidic water and have peaceful temperaments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy are Wild Altum Angelfish so expensive?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWild Altums are difficult to collect, transport, and acclimate. Their rarity, exceptional beauty, and specialised care requirements contribute to their premium value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Mistakes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eKeeping them in hard or alkaline water\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWild Altums require soft, acidic water to remain healthy and thrive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eBuying them for small aquariums\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir exceptional height requires tall aquariums with plenty of vertical swimming space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAdding them to immature aquariums\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are highly sensitive to unstable water conditions and should only be introduced into established tanks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eKeeping them alone\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWild Altums are naturally social and display their best behaviour when kept in groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePoor acclimation\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWild-caught specimens require slow acclimation and careful observation to minimise stress and maximise long-term success.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Apex Aquatic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48853890433163,"sku":null,"price":400.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/8353\/3195\/files\/i7dHVGM2Buv8W7cansEFBXU7__u3snFO03idPgYfwZc5CGiSMnRaoNmI0P0k-c-cVYSBItPRi7d2Hkpi3ICv9yUxWNDxgEHcs_3ykgDAnu8yTGDinXY1BajpYANvLHkwSKVKwT06RU9Z-vQPMRFfcC1jM6Rjna52gdxRpz9xeP78KUrW99XP9yG.jpg?v=1785998209","url":"https:\/\/apexaquatic.com.au\/products\/altum-wild-cichlid","provider":"Apex Aquatic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}