|
|
Aquaria Now - The Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus temminckii)
Aquaria Now Home > Fish Profiles:
Bristlenose Pleco - Ancistrus temminckii (Eigenmann, 1918)
| Family |
Distribution |
Max. Size |
pH |
Temp. |
Breeding |
|
Loricariidae
|
South America
|
5"
|
Neutral
|
72-82° F.
|
Beginner
|
|
| Diet |
Swim Range |
Temperment |
Sociability |
Min. Tank |
Availability |
|
Herbivorous
|
Bottom
|
Peaceful
|
Pairs
|
20 gallons
|
Common
|
|
No photo
|
|
Notes
|
The Bristlenose Pleco is a community aquarium favorite. It is known for its peaceful nature, and as a good worker in helping clean up any leftover food scraps, as well as helping to keep tanks clean of algae overgrowth. Their small size makes them an ideal alternative to the much larger common Plecos, for owners wishing to keep them in a small aquarium.
Bristlenose Plecos are hardy fish that adapt well to a variety of aquarium conditions, but they do have a few requirements. The tank should provide lots of hiding places for the fish to retreat to during the day, such as caves and rock work. Bogwood must also be provided, as Plecos will use this to help digest their food.
Although they will eat algae and leftovers, these Catfish, as with all Plecos, should not be forgotten at feeding time. Sinking food such as spirulina discs or weighted-down zucchini should be offered, preferably at night time when the fish is more willing to come out to feed.
Determining the sex of the Bristlenose Pleco is not difficult. Mature males have longer "bristles" on their snouts, and more of them. Females lay their eggs on the ceilings of caves, with the male guarding the eggs until they hatch some 9 to 10 days later. The fry are born with yolk sacs which they use for the first few days of their lives.
There are many different types of Bristlenose Plecos now entering the hobby; the vast majority of them make great additions to the small to medium sized community aquarium.
|
|
|
|
