Can Altum Angel and Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping Altum Angel and Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) together is possible but requires caution due to potential behavioral clashes. Provide a spacious tank of at least 400 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

Altum Angel

Pterophyllum altum

Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter)

Apistogramma barlowi

🐟Family Group
Altum Angel
Cichlids - South American
Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter)
Cichlids - South American
Temperament
Altum Angel
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter)
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Altum Angel
27–32°C
Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter)
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Altum Angel
4.5–6.5
Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter)
4.5–6.8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Altum Angel
1–5
Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter)
1–8
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Altum Angel
Freshwater Only
Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Altum Angel
Low
Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter)
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 400 L
Altum Angel
400 L
Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter)
60 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Altum Angel
Middle
Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter)
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Altum Angel
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorTerritorial (Defends specific area)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter)
Territorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikesShrimp EaterFry PredatorDigger (Disturbs Substrate)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Altum Angel and Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter)?

Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.

Altum Angel
Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Altum Angel is a moderately assertive species (5/10), while Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) is moderately assertive (6/10). This modest difference means Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) may occasionally assert dominance over Altum Angel.

Altum Angel and Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) both frequent the Middle (Open Water) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Two territorial species may clash over territory, especially in smaller tanks.

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: Provide a significantly larger tank (at least 50% more volume than the minimum) to allow both Altum Angel and Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) to establish separate territories. Add plenty of line-of-sight breaks using driftwood, rocks, and dense planting to reduce territorial confrontations.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 27°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 27.5°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 4.5 and 6.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 1–5 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Altum Angel and Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 400 litres with a minimum length of 120 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Sand (Sifters), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - Floating. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with low (still water) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Altum Angel and Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Altum Angel and Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 400 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Altum Angel and Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) need?

A minimum of 400 litres (tank length at least 120 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.

What water temperature is best for Altum Angel and Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) together?

Keep the aquarium between 27°C and 28°C. A target of around 27.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Altum Angel or Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) aggressive?

Altum Angel is moderately assertive (5/10) and Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Altum Angel and Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) need?

Both species overlap in the 4.5–6.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

How do I manage Altum Angel's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Altum Angel space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding décor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.


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