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Ancistrus sp.


Ged

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Species information

Species: Ancistrus sp. (There are over 50 species available and at least two here in Australia)

Synoma: Hypostomus temminckii, Ancistrus dolichopterus, Chaetostoma sp., Xenocara sp.

Common name: Bristlenose Catfish

Origin: French Guana, Surinam, North Brazil, Columbia?, Brazil?, South America

Localities/Morphs: Multiple

Maximum size: 12 ? 13 cm

Natural habitat: They live in rivers, however in the dry season the pools they live in almost dry up

Natural foods/prey: Wood, algae, plants? and small invertebrates. They should have access to bogwood at all times as the lignin it contains is essential for their growth and development. They normally do not harm aquarium plants, however they will often remove any algae growing on them

Water chemistry in the wild: 6.5 ? 7.0 pH, Hardness; Soft water Predators: Unknown

Brood size: Usually around 60 but over 100 is not uncommon

Sexual dimorphism: The males will generally develop large bristles. Sometimes even bristles on their bristles as they grow older. The females generally only have a few small bristles, usually very close to their lips

Breeding method: Egg layer. The female is eventually persuaded to enter his cave, crevice, log or whatever. She lays her eggs and leaves. They will breed in any log or crevice provided, I once had a male that bred under a rock that lent against the glass at the front of the aquarium. More suitable accommodations include, PVC pipes (25 mm), clay pots, ornaments with holes that are large enough for them to get into Eg. Ceramic Frogs etc.

Husbandry requirements The males do all of the work here. The male will then stay, protect and ?fan? (water and therefore oxygen) over his eggs until they all hatch and are free swimming. This usually takes seven to ten days. Higher temperatures equal quicker hatching and growth. If the eggs are rejected by the male they can be successfully raised in an egg tumbler, see the DIY FAQ

Minimum tank size: Can be bred in an 18 inch tank but I prefer at least a 24 inch tank, if only a pair is present. I would suggest a three foot tank with other inhabitants

Sex ratio: Bristles can be bred in a harem configuration of one male and up to four females, however the brood sizes suffer and his condition will deteriorate. Caution males may fight between themselves and females may also fight. I have lost three females due to fighting, I may have been unlucky so do not take this as being absolute, they were getting ready to breed

Tolerance of conspecifics: They are very tolerant of each other provided they have enough room and formations to hide amongst.

Tolerance of heterospecifics: These fish are tolerant of just about everything in an aquarium, however do not place fry that are NOT free swimming in with them.

Water chemistry in aquaria: 5.8 ? 7.2 Optimum, Can tolerate much higher pH, up to 9, Soft water through to Medium ? Hard up to 25 degrees dGH

Temperature range: Optimum 22 ?24 degrees Celsius. Can tolerate Temperatures up to 30 degrees for short periods. Highest I have had mine at is 29 degrees with discus

Foods accepted: Bogwood (essential), zucchini, pumpkin, peas, algae wafers. To increase growth rates higher protein pellets and foods can be used however if over fed this can result in stomach disorders

Will or may interbreed with: These fish will interbreed with most other forms of ancistrus, please keep the blood lines pure and do not interbreed

Special requirements: None

Notes

If you are having trouble breeding them, try a large water change followed by shorter periods of Daylight/Artificial light.

These bristles are fabulous fish, they keep my tanks clean and almost algae free. It is wonderful watching them breed and watching the fry grow. They cause no trouble in a tank and once they start to breed it can be difficult to stop them

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