SegelFlosser

Pterophyllum altum

In 1903, Pellegrin first described P. altum as a distinct species, and to date it has been found only in the waters of the Rio Orinoco and Rio Negro in Brazil, Venezuela and Colombia. P. altum differs physiologically from P. scalare in a number of ways — most obviously, the higher count of soft dorsal and anal fin rays. In addition, its long dorsal and anal fins, more vertical form and strongly concaved forehead area give it an unmistakably regal appearance. P. altum has very rarely been spawned in captivity. As a result, nearly all specimens that you chance to see in retailers’ aquariums have been imported from the wild.

Photograph © Mats Wesen.