Tank Requirements
Minimum 55-gallon tall for a single pair. 75-gallon for a group of 4–6 juveniles. Tall tank shape is essential — angelfish bodies need vertical room.
Plant heavily with broad-leaf plants (Amazon swords, anubias). Driftwood and gentle current complete the natural look.
Water Parameters
Temperature: 78–84°F (26–29°C).
pH: 6.5–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral).
GH: 3–8 (soft to moderately hard).
Nitrates: under 20 ppm.
Wild-caught Altum angelfish need much softer water (pH 5.0, GH 1–2).
Diet
Omnivores leaning carnivore. Tropical flake or pellet as staple. Frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia 2–3 times per week.
Live blackworms produce the best growth and color but carry parasite risk if not from a clean source.
Breeding
Angelfish pair off naturally from a group of 6+ juveniles. Once paired, they are inseparable and will defend a 2-foot territory aggressively.
They lay 200–500 eggs on a vertical surface (driftwood, broad leaf, slate). Both parents fan and clean the eggs. Fry are free-swimming after 5 days.
First-time parents often eat their eggs. By the third spawn, most pairs raise a successful batch.
Color Varieties
Silver (wild type), zebra, marble, koi, blue, gold, half-black, ghost, and many others. Show-quality angels sell for $20–80.
Veil-tail and super-veil-tail varieties have extended fins but are more prone to fin damage in community tanks.
Tank Mates
Compatible: corydoras, larger tetras (lemon, congo), bristlenose plecos, gouramis, rasboras over 1 inch.
Risky: small tetras (neons, cardinals — angels eat them), barbs (fin-nip), aggressive cichlids.
A bonded breeding pair becomes territorial — may need to be moved to their own tank.