Think Fish - The Tropical Fish Keeping Resource

Fish Database: Bristlenose Plec - Ancistrus sp.

Aquarium requirements

Aquarium suitability: 5/5
Sociability rating: 9/10
Area of tank: Bottom
Aquarium water conditions: 6-8.5, vs,s,m,h,vh
Temperature: 22 - 28C
Feeding: Sinking, frozen, vegetable, live foods. Requires algae or vegetable based foods and bogwood
Minimum tank size: 90cm
Min / Max number in tank:

Fish fact file

Family: Loricariidae (Armoured catfishes)
Synonyms:
Other common names:
Origin: South America
Natural habitat: Most species are usually found in clear fast-flowing tributaries in the Amazon basin
Size: 15cm
Behavior: Peaceful algae eater, some fish may occasionally squabble
Breeding: Egglayer, eggs are laid in hollows. The male guards the nest and cares for the eggs. Fry hatch after around 4-5 days and feed off the yolk sac for up to two weeks
Natural water conditions: pH 5.5-7.5, very soft to very hard
Sexing: Males head 'bristles' or tentacles are obviously larger

Fish code No.0301

Recently Viewed fish: Bristlenose Plec

The 'Bristlenose Plec' is a common name that covers a number of different species of Ancistrus, most commonly Ancistrus temminckii. Because the species of fish you purchase may be one of a number of fish it is difficult to accurately describe the Bristlenose Plec. In general, Bristlenoses will normally reach between 10-15cm and make a good alternative to the common plecostomus or plec, which will outgrow most aquariums. The Bristlenose plec is an excellent aquarium fish, which although naturally nocturnal, can often be seen 'out and about' scavenging and algae eating. The fish develop distinct personalities that add to their interest for the fishkeeper. The Bristlenose Plec is an excellent algae eater although it will damage delicate plant species. Although details are not easily available, it is generally recognized that organisms residing on the outer layers of bogwood are used by the Bristlenose as part of its digestive system. Bristlenose's kept in aquariums without bogwood often experience an early death.

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