Info needed about Peru Altum Angels

FallenAngel

FallenAngel

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Sep 11, 2010
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Matt
I can't find much info on these on the net but any help from you guys would be very much appreciated! I need to know about them, are they hardy? What are their requirements? I want to keep a few in my 35 Gallon tank.

Also tank mates etc. i need to know!!

Thanks! :feedback:
 
Altums are gorgeous fish, that in most aspects, have the same requirements as a standard angelfish. I've had no problem keeping them with discus and angelfish and fed the same foods...like beefheart, brine shrimp, blood worms, etc. They were also extremely hardy, ate well, and easy to care for.

Not sure I can really help you with any detailed info from my past experiences with them. I just considered them to be super nice "angelfish." The only disappointment I had with them was the altums are nearly impossible to breed. I've only read of this happening on one account. Most just never breed in captivity.

Good luck
 
The Peruvian Altum is not and Altum, it is a Scalare.

True Altums come from only one place- according to heiko Bleher
this majestic species living only in the upper Rio Orinoco tributaries and nowhere else.
Click to expand...

Orinoco tributaries are in Colombia and most of the river itself is in Venezuela.
 
Because altums do not spawn in tanks, there are only two ways to acquire them. The first, and most common way is as imports. This is a seasonal event which usually happens in the fall. Newly imported altums are not at all hardy and most folks have no idea what is needed to keep them alive and lose them. I lost my first six inside 3 weeks.

The other way to get them if from hobbyists whiohave had them a while. This is not so easy either and takes some luck since most fish keepers who manage to get them through the initial stages and grow them are not inclined to part with them.

I got lucky on both fronts and now have 8 small ones doing great since early last December Plus a much larger 3+ year old pair I stumble upon last March. The seller had just had a second baby and needed to raise cash and to reduce fish.

Having kept other angels I can say there is no comparison. Altums are absolutely amazing looking fish. especially when larger.
 
I believe Altums have just recently been spawned successfully..tho few and far between.

(in Asia)

Altums are the Holy Grail for Angel Keepers..I am still looking for some.

the peruvian Altum(P.Scalare) are actually very lovely fish. they do exhibit some traits similar to Altums but severely lack all the distinguishing features of the Tru Altum
 
Star_Rider said:
I believe Altums have just recently been spawned successfully..tho few and far between.

(in Asia)

Altums are the Holy Grail for Angel Keepers..I am still looking for some.

the peruvian Altum(P.Scalare) are actually very lovely fish. they do exhibit some traits similar to Altums but severely lack all the distinguishing features of the Tru Altum
Click to expand...

SO TRUE Star!!!!!!! I thought I had heard that someone in Germany had a spawn but only a hand full made it and I think that there was a spawning but it was done in a pond of sorts. I will try them again someday but want to make sure I have everything in place first and have a good source and I think I do have a good source. I thought they were only exported in the spring. I belive you need to keep the PH at around 5-6 and temps of around 82-84 and tannin stained water would be best and I think I read that you want the GH below 3. I will say that if you get True Orinco Altums that a 35 is no wheres big enough and even with scalares you could only keep 2 in there IMO.
 
Wow sounds the true altums are pretty much like discus!
I love angels but in New Zealand I can only find Peruvian altums, not real altums.

Thanks for all of the info though!
 
I think Discus might be easier because for one they are captive bred unless you order wild caughts and around here they can handle harder and higher PH water. This link gives you an idea on the difference's and I believe the Orinco Altums can get about 50% larger than the rest of the angels. The Peruvian Angels are nice looking angels so go for it and post up some pics when and if you get them.

http://www.angelsplus.com/ArticleWildAngelfish2.htm
 
Thanks for the link!
My LFS is selling under the name 'Altum Angels' and i live in new zealand, so i have a bit of doubt that theyre actually altums. But i found some peruvian altums on the internet and liked the look, reasonable price too. Might consider buying them and maybe even breeding.
If i get them I will definately get pics, dont worry :P
 
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