DISTRIBUTION:The Venezuelan Angel is distributed in Southern Venezuela in the Orinoco and Negro River Basins in the states of Bolivar and Amazonas. It has also been collected in the Paragua River in the Northern part of Bolivar. During the day, angels swim towards the center and deeper parts of rivers, and at night, they approach the shoreline and swim in the submerged aquatic vegetation (Fernandez et al. 1992, Royero, 1992).
PRESENT SITUATION:
This is the most abundant species exported in Venezuelan ornamental fish shipments and represents a significant source of income for the country (Fernandez et al. 1992, Royero, 1992). Despite the fact that this trade activity is gaining attention, the biology and ecology of the species are fairly unknown. There are indications that it is very abundant in black water rivers within its area of distribution (Royero, 1992), but the impact of the trade activity on populations has never been assessed. The fact that the number of specimens recollected in recent times has not decreased nor increased, does not mean that the population is not being overexploited or that it may have not been extinguished from certain localities.
ESTIMATED POPULATION:
Unknown
MAIN THREATS:
Despite the fact that the Venezuelan Angelfish does not appear to be threatened at the present moment, the major potential threat comes from the recollection activity to supply the national and international tropical aquarium fish market; in this sense, the Venezuelan Angelfish is well known as «The King» of freshwater tropical ornamental fish (Royero 1992). Now, for most species of Angelfish, captive breeding has been easy to come by and is an activity well known in the country and abroad, yet for Pterophyllum altum this alternative is not as simple as for the other species and hence, a high demand for wild caught specimens continues.
CONSERVATION MEASURES TAKEN:
Despite the economic importance of this beautiful species, no measures have been implemented to control its collection nor has further research been made. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock is responsible for the control of the ornamental fish trade in the country and the guidelines are ruled as per Resolution No. DGSPA-52 MAC of date 05/10/1972.
PROPOSED CONSERVATION MEASURES:
Assess the impact of commercial recollection on the populations and organize the activity in a territorial manner so that said populations are maintained and their existence guaranteed. Recollection to be allowed only in specific areas. Likewise, the populations must be periodically monitored in a way to verify the compliance of the legislation in effect and guarantee that population levels are maintained through time. Promoting the captive breeding of the species may contribute to stop its undiscriminated extraction. The trade of this species must be urgently regulated making it necessary to act now, and not wait until the species is under substantial threat so as to warrant a sustainable exploitation. The case should serve to alert as to the rational use of ornamental fish as a resource for the country, an activity that until now has not been duly controlled and that provides significant economic profits being practiced both legally and illegally.
