Pterophyllum altum
Scientific name | Pterophyllum altum |
---|---|
Descriptor | Pellegrin |
Year of description | 1903 |
IUCN category (World) | NE |
Family | Cichlidae |
Genus | Pterophyllum |
Introduction
Pterophyllum altum is a fresh water fish from the Amérique du Sud.
This sheet is currently being prepared. The texts currently proposed come from our data model or are being drafted. To request priority for this content, you can write to us HERE.
Who is it?
Morphology
-
Average size18 cm
-
Maximum size50 cm
-
Longevity10 year
-
ShapeTriangular
-
Patternvertical stripes
-
Average size18 cm
-
Maximum size50 cm
-
Longevity10 year
-
ShapeTriangular
-
Patternvertical stripes
How to recognize Pterophyllum altum ?
Pterophyllum altum measures between 18 and 50 cm. This fish is bicolore with a predominantly argent and noir body. The also has vertical stripes.
Behaviour & Life cycle
-
dietcarnivorous
-
Sociabilityliving in small groups
-
territorialYes
-
Way of livingdiurnal
Pterophyllum altum is a fish living in small groups naturally found at mid-depth. This species is carnivorous .
This species is territorial and does not appreciate the presence of intruders nearby, especially animals with similar behavior. It can also be virulent toward conspecifics. However, Pterophyllum altum has little concern for non-territorial animals.
Reproduction
-
Reproductionovipare qui pond sur substrat découvert
Pterophyllum altum is a fish ovipare qui pond sur substrat découvert.
Harmless species
This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.
Where to find it?
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
-
Temperature25 - 31 °C
-
pH (acidity)4.8 - 6.2
-
gh (hardness)1 - 5
-
FlowSlow
Biotope presentation
The acidification of water comes from the decomposition of plants. This phenomenon changes the color of the water, which tends to turn brown. In some areas particularly rich in organic matter, the water is so dark that it is called "black water".
This species lives near large roots, in which it can find refuge in case of danger. This type of habitat is often found not far from the banks.
Species of the same biotope
Main recommendations for fishkeeping
Deontology
In order to preserve wildlife, if you acquire this animal, it must not be released into the wild. See also, the Fishipedia charter.
Fishipedia supports the practice of responsible and environmentally friendly aquarium keeping. We encourage maintenance if it is motivated by a desire to understand the biological functioning of living things and if it is done with respect for animal life.
We believe that aquaristics is an opening to the discovery of aquatic environments, especially freshwater, and that this knowledge is necessary to better protect and respect these environments. Logically, we refute the compulsive purchase of animals that would not find a sufficient and / or adapted place in the host aquarium.
Our recommendations
-
Min volume600 liters
-
Population min6
-
Temperature25 - 31 °C
-
pH (acidity)4.8 - 6.2
Characteristics
-
Difficulty breedingmoderate
-
Robustnesstolerant
-
Behaviourslightly aggressive
-
Availabilityoccasional
General reminders
It is strongly advised to read the complete dedicated file and to get information on the feedbacks of maintenance of the envisaged animal, this to avoid any potential conflict whose end result is generally the death of the individual (or the other inhabitants). It is important not to overload your aquarium to limit pollution. This will make maintenance easier.
In nature, animals are subject to weather conditions and live in waters with variable characteristics. The recommendations offered by our team for aquarium maintenance are a guidance and cannot be assimilated to scientific datas.
General reminder on maintenance datas
Le démarrage d'un aquarium est une partie primordiale pour l'équilibre et le bien-être des poissons. Lorsque l'on met en eau un aquarium, l'eau passe naturellement par un cycle biologique : le cycle de l'azote. Celui-ci dure environ trois semaines. Tous les 2 jours, nous vous conseillons de tester votre eau jusqu'à ce que le taux de nitrite soit à zéro pendant plusieurs jours d'affilée.
Pour accélérer ce cycle, vous pouvez utiliser un activateur de bactéries comme JBL Denitrol. Cette solution riche en bactéries vivantes et enzymes permet une mise en place rapide du cycle de l'azote. Les poissons peuvent alors être introduits plus rapidement.
Il est important de tester l'eau de son aquarium régulièrement pour maintenir un environnement sain pour les poissons et les autres habitants. Les tests d'eau permettent de mesurer les niveaux de différents paramètres tels que le pH, la dureté totale, ainsi que les taux de nitrates, de nitrites et d'ammoniaque.
Pour réaliser ces tests, vous pouvez utiliser des produits d'analyse spécialisés tels que JBL ProScan qui permet de réaliser un diagnostic de l'eau directement via un smartphone. Il existe également des coffrets de tests plus classiques de bandelettes, comme JBL PROAQUATEST.
En cas d’usage de l’eau du robinet, vous pouvez utiliser un conditionneur d’eau de type Biotopol de JBL pour éliminer les substances nocives comme le chlore, le cuivre, le plomb et le zinc. Les conditionneurs d'eau garantissent une meilleure santé aux poissons et une meilleure croissance des plantes.
Chlorine and chloramine are dangerous for the health of animals. Used to disinfect water, these agents are present in significant quantities in tap water. We recommend using an anti-chlorine agent every time you change the water. In addition to chlorine, treatments and medicines sold for aquarium use sometimes contain dangerous heavy metals in high doses.
Specific needs for Pterophyllum altum
Pterophyllum altum is a species which lives naturally at a temperature between 25 °C and 31 °C. For proper maintenance, the temperature should never exceed the 34°C for long periods. Nitrate levels should remain below 50mg/L. To keep the water clean and unpolluted, plan on changing 20% to 30% of the water volume each month.
The breeding of this species is accessible on condition of being well informed about its needs in aquarium . Any cohabitants must be chosen with care to avoid the loss of animals.
This species is generally available in specialized shops or from aquarium clubs. Specimens that have been bred for a long time are easier to breed, but special water parameters must be respected.
Cohabitation & Environment
Being a living in small groups fish, it is advisable to install at least 6 individuals in an aquarium of 600 liters minimum (for 150 cm of frontage). Group maintenance is a prerequisite to ensure their well-being. Lonely individuals tend to quickly become stressed and become especially susceptible to disease.
Pterophyllum altum may show signs of aggression. In general, this species should not be mixed with large territorial species or other overly aggressive species, in order to avoid possible stress or even injury.
However, it can coexist with other species with a peaceful temperament and with some slightly territorial neighbors, as far as the volume of the aquarium allows. It is important to avoid that two territorial species share the same living area in an aquarium of insufficient volume.
Acid Water Maintenance
Pterophyllum altum living naturally in acidic water, generally in "black" or "sieved" water, the implementation of a filtration on peat is ideal for its balance. Adding decaying leaves and alder fruit can significantly improve living conditions by naturally increasing acidity of some water.Tips for feeding
Pterophyllum altum is carnivorous.
This species can eat dry food (flakes, pellets), fresh food and frozen food. To avoid deficiencies, it is recommended to vary the types of food.
You should not overfeed your residents to avoid polluting the water. For most species, it is better to feed a few small portions each day rather than one large meal.
Food recommendations from our partner JBL - Products PRONOVO
-
Granules
-
Flakes
Reproduction protocol
-
Maintenance difficultymoderate
-
egg-laying protectionYes
Reproduction of this species in an aquarium is considered moderate. Ideally, it takes place at a temperature of around 28 ° C for a pH of 5.5 .
Hybridization risks
In general, it is advised not to mix several species of the same genus or different varieties of the same species, to avoid the risks of hybridization.
These animals might interest you
To go further
Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.
Benoit Chartrer
Patrick Chartrer
Translation
Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.