1. Introduction
【Child】: Professor, have you ever read the divine comedy “Paradise Lost”? The beauty of angels is depicted so elegantly in the poem, isn’t it? Do you think there are any such heavenly creatures swimming in the depths of the aquatic world?
【Professor】: Ah, I see where you’re going! Indeed, my young literary enthusiast, there’s a magnificent fish that personifies the celestial grace you mentioned. Meet the Altum angelfish, an alluring species that we will discuss in great detail today.
2. Characteristics
【Child】: So, professor, would you compare the Altum angelfish to Botticelli’s dazzling painting of angels in “The Birth of Venus”?
【Professor】: Splendid analogy! Just like Botticelli’s angels, Altum angelfish are blessed with an unparalleled beauty. These freshwater fish flaunt unique characteristics such as elongated, triangular-shaped bodies, a striking silver color adorned with vertical black stripes, and majestic, elongated fins. Altum angelfish can grow up to 7 inches in length and have a fin span of almost 8 inches. Much like the enchanting angels of the Renaissance, the Altum angelfish is a sight to behold!
3. Habitat
【Child】: In Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” the island serves as a fantastical and spellbinding setting. What would be the perfect aquatic equivalent for the Altum angelfish, and how would an aquarium environment replicate that?
【Professor】: A delightful reference! The Altum angelfish naturally resides in the lush Amazon river basin, specifically in the blackwater environments of Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil. To replicate such an enchanting and magical abode, an aquarium should include plants native to their habitat, driftwood, and a dark sandy substrate. The Altum angelfish serves as keystone species, maintaining the balance of aquatic food chains and keeping algae in check.
4. Husbandry Requirements
【Child】: If our home aquarium were a kingdom, much like King Arthur’s Camelot, what conditions would we need to create for our Altum angelfish residents to thrive?
【Professor】: Bravo! For the court of Altum angelfish to prosper, you must provide a spacious tank (minimum of 100 gallons). These regal beings prefer water temperatures between 78°F and 84°F, with a soft water hardness between 1 and 5 dKH, and a pH level of 4.5 to 6. To maintain a flourishing Camelot for them, consider feeding them a diverse diet of live, frozen, and high-quality dry foods.
5. Behavior
【Child】: In J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic “The Lord of the Rings,” the Elves gracefully move with a mesmerizing elegance. Can you compare their movement to that of the Altum angelfish?
【Professor】: Indeed, just as the Elves bewitch onlookers with their grace, so do the Altum angelfish who tend to glide through the water in harmonious groups! Though they are not nocturnal, they can show shyness among other fish or in brightly lit environments. Altum angelfish mainly feed on the bounties of nature, preying on tiny aquatic invertebrates.
6. Breeding
【Child】: Let’s discuss rearing Wiliam Wordsworth’s “Golden Age,” meaning the conditions that need to be met to breed the Altum angelfish.
【Professor】: Aptly mentioned, young poet! In order to encourage the golden age of Altum angelfish breeding, ensure the water temperature is around 82°F with a lower pH level of 4.5 to 5.5. A dimly lit tank with suitable spawning surfaces, such as vertical pieces of slate or broad-leafed plants, will stimulate these aquatic Cupids to procreate.
7. Cautions
【Child】: So, if we were to create a utopia such as Thomas More’s “Utopia,” what factors should we consider to preserve the harmony within the Altum angelfish community?
【Professor】: To sustain a flawless aquatic Utopia, select tankmates that share similar environmental preferences and are non-aggressive. Additionally, keep in mind that Altum angelfish are delicate creatures, and a sudden change in water parameters or pollutants can lead to stress or illness.
8. Conclusion
【Child】: What a wondrous journey it has been, professor! Would you say that keeping Altum angelfish in an aquarium is a heavenly experience?
【Professor】: Absolutely, my cultured pupil! Caring for Altum angelfish offers an ethereal experience that brings you closer to the celestial elegance of nature. Just remember their specific requirements, and you’ll be rewarded with a mesmerizing aquatic paradise.