When venturing into the realm of aquarium fish, Ancistrus is undoubtedly a name you should keep in mind. Known by many as the Bristlenose Pleco, this hardy little fish is a hobbyist favorite due to its unusual look and advantageous characteristics. It is an excellent addition to many home aquariums because of its unique bristly "nose" and peaceful disposition.
Ancistrus are renowned for their remarkable capacity to consume algae, which can lower maintenance requirements and keep your tank cleaner. They are efficient algae eaters without being unduly hostile or bothersome to other fish, in contrast to certain other species. They are therefore the perfect option for a range of aquarium configurations.
They’re an excellent choice for both novice and seasoned aquarists because they’re also reasonably simple to maintain. Ancistrus can flourish and even procreate in captivity given the proper diet and tank conditions. They are a great option for anyone wishing to add both beauty and functionality to their aquarium because of their adaptability and low maintenance requirements.
- Description
- Types
- How to distinguish ancistrus from pterygoplichthys
- Feeding
- Compatibility with other fish
- How they reproduce
- How to distinguish a male from a female
- Video on the topic
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Description
Like many other fish, this one was found in South America and was introduced to the United States only after 1970. The fish’s exotic appearance is the main reason it entered home aquariums:
- due to its bottom lifestyle, the body of the ancistrus has a drop-shaped, flattened shape;
- bone plates are located all over the body, designed to resist predators;
- the color depends on the specific breed of fish;
- the main difference from other catfish is the shape of the mouth – it looks like a suction cup.
These fish only grow to a maximum length of 20 centimeters. Although they frequently pass away sooner in the wild, they can survive up to seven years in a home aquarium with the right care.
Bristlenose plecos, also referred to as ancistrus fish, are interesting and low-maintenance aquarium additions. Their distinct appearance and gentle disposition appeal to seasoned hobbyists, while their hardy nature and algae-eating habits make them perfect for beginners. Aquarium enthusiasts can guarantee that these endearing fish flourish in their aquatic habitats and fully enjoy them by being aware of their care needs and natural behaviors.
Types
Anthus astound with their variety. Aquariums contain the following types of organisms:
- Common or blue – before puberty, they stand out with a bluish color of scales, and then it becomes dark gray or yellowish-gray with randomly located white spots.
- Veil (dragonfly) – the beauty of this ancistrus is that its fins are excessively enlarged. They flutter beautifully when moving around the aquarium. The body color of the fish is dark olive with small white specks.
- Yellow – another common type, it has a yellow-orange body.
- Starry – this species has such a dark color that small white spots stand out on it, like stars in the night sky. In young fish up to a year old, the fins are edged with blue, and in adults, small spikes are visible on them.
- Star – differs from the previous type in fins: the pectoral fins are thickened, and the dorsal and caudal fins are edged with white. In times of danger, this fish releases hard spines from the base of its head.
- L-184 – the rarest catfish, it is also called diamond for the increased diameter of the spots. The color of the fish is rich black, it does not change throughout its life.
- Red – this selective species is suitable for those who prefer the fish to be active during the day. Ancistrus of this type has a red or slightly orange body color. Its size is small – up to 6 cm.
- Golden albino – the fish received a beige-golden color due to a genetic error, its scales are not pigmented. Another characteristic feature is the red tint of the eyes. The disadvantage of this catfish is its short lifespan.
- LDA-016 – has an unusual brown color, with dark spots, for which it was nicknamed the leopard species. With age, the contrast of its color becomes more noticeable. Sometimes gray spots can be distinguished on the body, in this case the breed is called tiger or tricolor.
Since numbered species are costly, ordinary aquariums hardly ever contain them. Selecting between the yellow, veil, or common ancistrus types is the best option.
How to distinguish ancistrus from pterygoplichthys
Because arm-tailed catfish are similar to one another, you need to be able to tell them apart even before you buy them. You can select an ancistrus by looking for a few signs:
- its young have a light edging on the fins;
- on the upper part of the head there are small horns, and on the lower there are no whiskers;
- many colors of scales;
- absence of the pattern on the scales characteristic of pterygoplichthys.
Choosing wisely is easy to do if you plan ahead before purchasing a fish.
Establishing favorable conditions for ancistrus is simple:
Parameter | Description |
Shape and volume of the aquarium | Choose wide and long aquariums with a volume of 80 liters when keeping a pair of fish. The bottom area should be as large as possible. |
Filling the aquarium | You need to place a lot of decorations, shelters, castles, grottoes, large stones in the tank. It is best to choose fast-growing plants that the ancistrus will use as food. For normal digestion, put natural driftwood on the bottom, which the fish can gnaw. At the same time, it will give them a more attractive appearance. |
Oxygenation of water | The bottom of the aquarium has the lowest oxygen concentration, so it is necessary to install an aerator. With it, the catfish will not have to float to the upper layers of water, they will not be irritated because of this. |
Temperature | Ancistrus are more comfortable in cool water (22-24 degrees), and in warmer water their growth stops prematurely. |
Lighting | It is advisable to equip areas with permanent shadow in the aquarium, then the long daylight hours will not disturb the bottom inhabitants. If you could not make shaded places, choose dim lamps. The easiest way to equip a shelter for ancistrus is to tie anubias to a snag or plant them in an aquarium. |
Daylight | The periods of day and night should be equal, when one passes from the other, it is necessary to arrange a half-hour twilight. |
Soil | It should not be of too small a fraction, smooth gravel will do. In search of food, catfish constantly feel the pebbles. If they are small, the fish will swallow them, and this will end badly. |
Water renewal | Do not forget to organize a moderate current in the aquarium and regularly change up to a third of the water in it for clean. |
Feeding
Vegetarians who prefer to obtain their own food are known as ancistrus. They eat snags and control the growth of algae.
Furthermore, they must be provided with:
- industrial feeds, balanced for chainmail or based on spirulina algae;
- boiled greens: cabbage leaves, lettuce or nettle;
- fresh pieces of vegetables: broccoli, carrots, zucchini, cucumber.
Large fresh pieces should allow the cat to lie down. This is a very strange occurrence. Cut zucchini and cucumbers into circles; broccoli is provided by an inflorescence. Vegetables should not be kept in aquariums for extended periods of time to prevent water pollution. Utilize them for sustenance. Come on, dark food, the main course.
Compatibility with other fish
They will be quiet and serene if you provide the right environment for them. Fish with similar content conditions will be their best neighbors:
- guri;
- Danio;
- haracin;
- Pecilia.
Contrary to popular belief, not everyone gets along with goldfish. Aquarists frequently deal with situations where cats are attracted to goldfish and rip off their skin and meat. Fish that are clumsy, sluggish, or unsure when they’re not feeling well Antsistrus can provoke fights.
Additionally, you shouldn’t put two males, territorial breeds, or cichlids in the same aquarium because this will only result in the worst kind of fights that could end badly for everyone.
Because of their mouth structure, catfish can inflict fatal wounds, but they also live in peaceful coexistence with shrimp.
How they reproduce
It is best to reproduce in a different aquarium to keep the eggs safe from other fish. Ancistrus reach maturity after a year or so; you can choose a pair and plant them yourself. Select an aquarium with a capacity of roughly 50–60 liters for the maternity aquarium. Pour in two thirds clean water and one third water from the shared container. Reduce the temperature in the main aquarium by two degrees.
The spawning tank’s device is the same except that it needs a dedicated spawning shelter. You can purchase a pre-made piece of pipe, create one yourself by molding a clay tube, or use an internal hollow snag. If there isn’t such a shelter, the female will lay eggs in the most unlikely places. She occasionally tossed them into the filter.
The father selects a location for his young, a process that may take several days. The process of courtship and spawning will commence after the future nest has been thoroughly cleaned. The female typically lays her eggs at night, and they should be removed back right away in the morning. The male is in charge of raising the children; at this point, he has the power to even chase the mother out of the nest.
The larvae hatch on the fifth day, but they will continue to grow stronger in the nest for an additional week. The male loses interest in them when they start to move on their own, having served his paternal duties. He can now be put back in the main aquarium, and the fry can now be fed catfish-specific tablets three times a day. After six months, catfish can be moved into the main aquarium.
How to distinguish a male from a female
Ancistrus males exhibit distinct sexual traits, such as multiple growths on their mandible. They’re often referred to as horns, beards, or mustaches.
It’s interesting to note that women find these growths attractive and prefer the males who exhibit this dimorphism the most.
Male body size is a less obvious indicator; they are larger but more graceful. Girls’ upper jaw growths are only 1 mm long, and their abdomens are more rounded.
Feature | Description |
Common Name | Ancistrus |
Scientific Name | Ancistrus sp. |
Origin | South America |
Size | Up to 6 inches (15 cm) |
Tank Size | At least 20 gallons |
Water Temperature | 72-78°F (22-26°C) |
Diet | Algae, vegetables, sinking pellets |
Behavior | Peaceful, nocturnal |
Tank Mates | Community fish |
Care Level | Easy to moderate |
Bristlenose plecos, also known as ancistrus fish, are a great addition to any aquarium. They are both attractive and useful due to their distinctive appearance and beneficial algae-eating habits. Because of their resilience and relative ease of maintenance, these fish are well-liked by both novice and seasoned hobbyists.
The ability of Ancistrus fish to maintain a clean tank is one of their best qualities. They eat algae, which contributes to keeping the surrounding water clear for other aquatic life. Furthermore, they don’t take up much room in a variety of tank configurations due to their small size.
In general, Ancistrus fish enhance an aquarium’s aesthetic appeal and practicality. They are an excellent option for anyone wishing to give their tank a distinctive touch because of their characteristic bristles and ability to eat algae. They can flourish and add some charm to your aquatic environment if given the right care.