Altum And Scalare Angels

[fish_keeper2]

well i just got a new angel cuzz my last one died during ich treatment(dont worry the tank is free from ich now) and it looks similar to the altums ive seen in pics on the net. it was sold to me as a scalare but im not sure. so my question is: what do i look for to tell if my angel is an altum or a scalare?

 

[Tolak]

The only way to be absolutely sure is to count scales. Per Axelrod's Handbook of Tropical Aquarium Fishes, scalare would have 34 to 40 scales counted in a straight line from the top of the gill plate to the base of the tail, altum would have 41 to 47.

Posting a pic would help.

 

[blitztidus]

I found it easier not to bother with that too much, too much pain and suffering on my behalf to count al those scales

 

[fish_keeper2]

lol i wouldnt want to count the scales either. i dont have a pic or a digi cam. ill ask again once i get a pic. either way the new angel is very beautifull and im sure will make a good adition to my tank.

 

[Tolak]

If you think you have an altum you should go through the trouble of counting. Altums, for the most part being wild caught, need conditions & care like wild caught discus. Tank breeding is very rare, no one is going to accidently sell a tank bred altum as a scalare. They also grow quite a bit larger than scalare, a 24" tall tank is a must.

 

[Kopix Nation]

I have waited 5 months for my altums and they still are not in! What is taking so long? If you have an altum you are so lucky!!

claire