Albino Altum Angelfish

An extremely rare altum-type angelfish with albino coloration, elegant body shape, and Red Back-style influence.

The Albino Altum Angelfish is a highly uncommon freshwater angelfish variety selected for its pale albino coloration, red-eye appearance, tall profile, and refined angelfish form. While the name “Altum” is often used in the trade to describe a taller, more elegant body type, this fish should be understood as an altum-type angelfish rather than a wild true Pterophyllum altum.

In appearance and care, this fish is closer to high-quality Red Back / altum-type Pterophyllum scalare variants. That makes it far more suitable for most home aquariums than wild true Altum Angelfish, while still offering a rare and premium look.

Why this fish stands out

• Extremely rare albino altum-type angelfish
• Elegant body shape with premium collector appeal
• Albino coloration with a soft, refined appearance
• More suitable for home aquariums than wild true Altum Angelfish
• Excellent centerpiece fish for planted and display tanks

Best for

• Angelfish collectors
• Premium community aquariums
• Planted display tanks
• Hobbyists looking for rare color forms
• Aquarists who want an altum-style look without wild altum difficulty

Topick Aquarium Insight

Many rare angelfish are difficult not because they are impossible to keep, but because they are poorly conditioned before sale. For specialty angelfish like this, stability, feeding response, and source quality matter far more than simply having the fish available.

We treat this fish as a premium collector angelfish. Proper acclimation, stable temperature, and clean water are much more important than chasing extreme wild-water parameters.

Behavior & Group Size

Albino Altum-type Angelfish are semi-peaceful cichlids with graceful movement and strong display value. Juveniles can be kept in groups, while adults may form pairs and show territorial behavior during maturity or breeding.

For long-term display, they can be kept as a single centerpiece, a pair, or a group in a properly sized aquarium.

Tank Setup

A tall aquarium is strongly recommended because angelfish develop long dorsal and anal fins.

• Minimum recommended tank: 30 gallons for one or a pair
• 40 gallons or larger preferred for groups
• Planted aquariums with open swimming space
• Driftwood or vertical structure for a natural look
• Stable filtration and consistent temperature

Avoid sharp decorations that may damage fins. A darker background and natural aquascape will make the pale albino body stand out beautifully.

Water Parameters

• Scientific Name: Pterophyllum scalare variant / altum-type angelfish
• Common Name: Albino Altum Angelfish
• Temperature: 25–28°C
• pH: 6.5–7.5
• Adult Size: approximately 12–15 cm body length, taller with fins
• Temperament: Semi-peaceful / semi-aggressive when mature
• Diet: Omnivore
• Care Level: Intermediate

Stable water matters more than exact numbers. These fish can adapt well when properly acclimated and kept in clean, mature aquariums.

Feeding

Albino Altum-type Angelfish accept a wide range of quality foods once settled.

• High-quality pellets
• Frozen bloodworms
• Frozen brine shrimp
• Small prepared cichlid foods
• Occasional live foods for conditioning

Feed moderately and avoid overfeeding. A varied diet helps maintain body condition, fin quality, and long-term health.

Tank Mates

Best tank mates are peaceful to moderately active fish that are not small enough to be eaten.

• Medium tetras
• Peaceful rainbowfish
• Corydoras
• Peaceful plecos
• Other compatible angelfish

Avoid very small nano fish, small shrimp, aggressive cichlids, and fin-nipping species.

Important Note

This is an extremely rare angelfish variety with very limited information available online. Care should be approached similarly to high-quality Red Back / altum-type angelfish rather than wild true Altum Angelfish.

FAQ

Is this a true Pterophyllum altum?
No. This should be understood as an altum-type angelfish / rare scalare variant, not a wild true Pterophyllum altum.

Is Albino Altum Angelfish hard to keep?
It is easier than wild true Altum Angelfish when properly conditioned, but we still recommend it for aquarists with some experience keeping stable aquariums.

Can it live in tap water?
Yes, if properly acclimated and kept in stable, mature water. Stability is more important than chasing extreme soft-water numbers.

Can I keep it with small tetras?
Very small fish such as Neon Tetras may eventually be seen as food. Choose medium-sized peaceful tank mates instead.

Do angelfish need a heater?
Yes. We strongly recommend a heater to maintain stable temperature and reduce stress.