Can Altum Angel and Finger Fish Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 4, 2026
Not Recommended

Altum Angel and Finger Fish are not recommended as tank mates due to incompatible water types and conflicting pH requirements and incompatible hardness ranges. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Altum Angel

Pterophyllum altum

Finger Fish

Monodactylus argenteus

🐠Family Group
Altum Angel
Cichlids - South American
Finger Fish
Oddballs
Temperament
Altum Angel
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
Finger Fish
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Altum Angel
27–32°C
Finger Fish
24–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Altum Angel
4.5–6.5
Finger Fish
7.5–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✗ No overlap
Altum Angel
1–5
Finger Fish
12–30
Water Type
✗ No overlap
Altum Angel
Freshwater Only
Finger Fish
Brackish Required
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Altum Angel
Low
Finger Fish
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 470 L
Altum Angel
400 L
Finger Fish
470 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Altum Angel
Middle
Finger Fish
Middle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Altum Angel
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorTerritorial (Defends specific area)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Finger Fish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFin NipperPlant DestroyerAggressive to same species/look-alikes
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Altum Angel and Finger Fish?

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
Finger Fish
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Altum Angel and Finger Fish are moderately assertive species with an aggression score of 5/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Altum Angel and Finger Fish 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: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion.

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.

The pH requirements of Altum Angel (4.5–6.5) and Finger Fish (7.5–8.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Altum Angel needs 1–5 dGH while Finger Fish requires 12–30 dGH.

Crucially, these species require different water types — one needs freshwater while the other requires brackish conditions. This is a hard barrier to keeping them together.

Tank Setup

To house Altum Angel and Finger Fish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 470 litres with a minimum length of 150 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Sand (Sifters), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - Floating, Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). 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.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Altum Angel and Finger Fish are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Altum Angel and Finger Fish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Altum Angel and Finger Fish live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as different water type needs — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Altum Angel and Finger Fish need?

A minimum of 470 litres (tank length at least 150 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 Finger Fish 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 Finger Fish aggressive?

Altum Angel is moderately assertive (5/10) and Finger Fish is moderately assertive (5/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Altum Angel and Finger Fish need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Altum Angel prefers 4.5–6.5, while Finger Fish needs 7.5–8.5. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

Will Finger Fish nip Altum Angel's fins?

Finger Fish is a known fin nipper. If Altum Angel has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Finger Fish in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.

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.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
May 4, 2026
Last updated
May 4, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

Related Comparisons