(Please note that the fish shown in the photo is only a representative of what an adult specimen would look like. The color may vary based on the age and sex of the fish you receive.)
Scientific Name: Ancistrus sp.
Common Name: Bushy Nose Plecostomus, Bristlenose Plecostomus
Adult Size: 4 - 5 inches
Life Expectancy: 10+ years
Habitat: Rivers and tributaries of South America
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Ideal Tank Conditions:
- Temperature Range: 74 - 79° F
- pH Range: 6.5 - 7.4
- Water Hardness: 6 - 10
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet & Nutrition: Feeds off bottom of aquarium; gets most of its nutrition from left over food and algae. If there is no algae or left over food present, supplement with high quality flake foods, algae wafers and other high quality plant based foods.
Breeding & Spawning: Relatively easy to breed and breeding occurs mostly in the winter months. Can be triggered to breed in the late fall by performing a 75% water change. Eggs are usually deposited on a piece of driftwood where the male will stay to guard them. The fry will become waterborne in approximately 10 days, at which time, they should be removed and raised in a separate aquarium. Feed the fry mashed and peeled peas.
Gender: Most males of the ancistrus species have more and longer tentacles than the females.