The Orinoco or Altum Angelfish is native to the Orinoco and upper Rio Negro. It is the largest of the 3 species of freshwater Angelfish, the tip of its dorsal and anal fins reaching nearly 40cm (15 inches). With a silvery background colour, distinguishing characteristics include an indent above the snout and different spawning habits.

Angelfish are unusually-shaped for cichlids, being laterally thin, large discs with long fins making a triangular shape and with trailing, ribbonlike pelvic fins. Most have dark stripes to give camouflage in river vegetation. They form monogamous pairs for breeding.

The Teardrop or Leopoldi Angelfish is native to the Essequibo, Rupununi and part of the Amazon Rivers. It has a "Roman nose" or "Teardrop" shape without the ident at the snout, a black spot near the front of its dorsal fin and several other morphological differences to the Scalare and Altum Angelfishes. It is the smallest of the 3 species of angelfishes, reaching 10cm long and 15cm high.