As currently established based on morphological revision (Schultz 1967), and recent molecular phylogenetic analysis (Anderson 2016), there are 3 accepted species of angelfish in South America: P. scalare, P. altum, and P. dumerillii. (See also Baensch & Riehl books).
By far, the majority of what is seen in the hobby are P. scalare, including variants and commercially bred strains, and here and there, a few P. altum available from importers.
Relatively rarely do we see Pterophyllum dumerillii, the Long-nosed Angelfish. Although not rare in its natural habitat, it is less common and very rarely available.
[It is still sometimes referred to by its junior synonym, Pterophyllum leopoldi, described within my lifetime. Caltesnau’s name, honoring Dumerill, has precedence by over 100 years!]
I came across a single left-over wild-caught young fish at Absolutely Fish in NJ in 2017, and purchased it immediately. I knew it was special. It has grown to become a very beautiful fish as you can see in yesterday’s pictures. It is very assertive, doesn’t bother others and doesn’t put up with crap from anybody. Notice the distinctive features: 1) long snout, caused in part by, 2) the total absence of pre-dorsal notch (continuous line of forehead), 3) the presence of the dark, blotch (not a stripe) between the mid-body and the posterior black vertical stripes.
Does anybody have specimens? Would you show them here? Heck, images of any other Angels would be cool too. Something you are proud of. Cheers!
By far, the majority of what is seen in the hobby are P. scalare, including variants and commercially bred strains, and here and there, a few P. altum available from importers.
Relatively rarely do we see Pterophyllum dumerillii, the Long-nosed Angelfish. Although not rare in its natural habitat, it is less common and very rarely available.
[It is still sometimes referred to by its junior synonym, Pterophyllum leopoldi, described within my lifetime. Caltesnau’s name, honoring Dumerill, has precedence by over 100 years!]
I came across a single left-over wild-caught young fish at Absolutely Fish in NJ in 2017, and purchased it immediately. I knew it was special. It has grown to become a very beautiful fish as you can see in yesterday’s pictures. It is very assertive, doesn’t bother others and doesn’t put up with crap from anybody. Notice the distinctive features: 1) long snout, caused in part by, 2) the total absence of pre-dorsal notch (continuous line of forehead), 3) the presence of the dark, blotch (not a stripe) between the mid-body and the posterior black vertical stripes.
Does anybody have specimens? Would you show them here? Heck, images of any other Angels would be cool too. Something you are proud of. Cheers!
