Bristlenose catfish - Ancistrus sp.

Scientific name: Ancistrus sp.

Common name: Bristlenose catfish

Family: Loricariidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 10 - 12 cm (3.94 - 4.72 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 5.8 - 7.8

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 18°N (71.43 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 21 - 27 °C (69.8 - 80.6°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Food and feeding

Their diet is mainly algal based; sinking pellets or wafers should be added to the tank. Bog wood is also required as they will gnaw on this. Weekly treats of blood worm or brine shrimp should be provided.

Origin

Bristle nose catfish originate from South America.

Sexing

Females will be slightly smaller than the males; the bristles on their head will be less dominant.

Breeding

Crevices or caves should be provided in the tank. The male will select a spawning site and if the female is happy with it, she will follow the male inside and lay her eggs. The female will play no further part in raising the young. The male will fan the eggs until hatching and a few days later the fry will emerge. Once their yolk sacs have been consumed, they should be fed on a high vegetable diet.

Lifespan

Expected lifespan of Bristlenose catfish is 15 years.

Short description

Males are very territorial especially when protecting their eggs, females tend to wander from shelter to shelter. These make excellent glass cleaners on the tank and will consume algae from the plants.

Pictures

Except of the profile picture, other pictures were bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.