Can Altum Angel and Sulphur Crest Lithobates Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 7, 2026
Not Recommended

Altum Angel and Sulphur Crest Lithobates are not recommended as tank mates due to 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

Sulphur Crest Lithobates

Otopharynx lithobates

🐠Family Group
Altum Angel
Cichlids - South American
Sulphur Crest Lithobates
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Altum Angel
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
Sulphur Crest Lithobates
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Altum Angel
27–32°C
Sulphur Crest Lithobates
24–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Altum Angel
4.5–6.5
Sulphur Crest Lithobates
7.8–8.6
Hardness (dGH)
✗ No overlap
Altum Angel
1–5
Sulphur Crest Lithobates
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Altum Angel
Freshwater Only
Sulphur Crest Lithobates
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Altum Angel
Low
Sulphur Crest Lithobates
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 400 L
Altum Angel
400 L
Sulphur Crest Lithobates
250 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Altum Angel
Middle
Sulphur Crest Lithobates
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Altum Angel
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorTerritorial (Defends specific area)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Sulphur Crest Lithobates
Territorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikesFry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Altum Angel and Sulphur Crest Lithobates?

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
Sulphur Crest Lithobates
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

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

Altum Angel and Sulphur Crest Lithobates 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.

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 Sulphur Crest Lithobates (7.8–8.6) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Altum Angel needs 1–5 dGH while Sulphur Crest Lithobates requires 10–25 dGH.

Tank Setup

To house Altum Angel and Sulphur Crest Lithobates 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.

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. 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 Sulphur Crest Lithobates 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 Sulphur Crest Lithobates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Altum Angel and Sulphur Crest Lithobates live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Altum Angel and Sulphur Crest Lithobates 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 Sulphur Crest Lithobates 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 Sulphur Crest Lithobates aggressive?

Altum Angel is moderately assertive (5/10) and Sulphur Crest Lithobates is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Altum Angel and Sulphur Crest Lithobates need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Altum Angel prefers 4.5–6.5, while Sulphur Crest Lithobates needs 7.8–8.6. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

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 7, 2026
Last updated
May 7, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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