What is the most rare pleco?

What is an Ancistrus pleco?

Ancistrus pleco, also known as the rare Ancistrus, is a type of fish from the Hypancistrus genus. As well as stated above Loricariidae They are native to South America and have been popularized by the fishkeeping hobby. Rare Ancistrus plecos prefer to live in aquariums that have a water temperature ranging from 77°F-86°F and a pH level of 6.0-8.5.

What is another name for plecos?

In the aquarium hobby they are often referred to as bushynose or bristlenose plecos instead, but this may lead to confusion as “pleco” usually is used for Hypostomus plecostomus and its allies and is often used as a catchall term for any loricariids remotely resembling that species. The type species is Ancistrus cirrhosus.

How to set up an Ancistrus tank?

To set up an ideal nesting area, you can also install tubes specifically for Ancistrus spawning, or coconut halves for the male to nest there. The recommended water parameters are a temperature of 26°C (79F) and a pH of around 7. The female lays a cluster of 50 to 100 eggs that the male fertilizes afterwards.

Where is Ancistrus found in the world?

Ancistrus is one of the widest ranging Loricariid genera, and representatives are found in most areas where the family in general is present. Many species are found in the rivers and floodplain areas of the Amazon basin, but there are also species elsewhere in tropical South America, as well as two species, A. centrolepis and A. chagresi in Panama.

Can Ancistrus spawn in a 20 gallon tank?

For most Ancistrus species a 20 gallon tank will work well for spawning. Ancistrus sp. 3 can be spawned in a ten gallon tank, I have done it several times, but such a small aquarium does not leave the aquarist with much room for error. The general fish keeping rule of “the bigger the better” holds true in this case as well.

What is the best temperature for Ancistrus?

For Ancistrus sp. 3 or A. triradiatus, a temperature range of 76-80°F is fine for the spawning tank. The water can be soft to medium hard with a pH from 6.0-7.8 and the aquarist should still be successful.

What is the size of a male Ancistrus?

Males develop soft tentacles on the head and while sometimes females also do, it is never to the grand extent of those found on that of the conspecific male. All Ancistrus species are cave-breeders, where the male looks after the eggs and young fry. Smallest 48mm, largest 250mm, average 108mm, most commonly 100mm.

What are the characteristics of Ancistrus?

Mature males and sometimes females have soft tentacles (bushy fleshy growths) on the snout – this is unique to the genus Ancistrus. Ancistrus should be fed mainly on vegetarian foods.

What is the scientific name of Ancistrus?

This genus is the largest genus within the tribe Ancistrini. The name ancistrus derives from the Ancient Greek agkistron “hook” – a reference to the form of the cheek odontodes. The genera Pristiancistrus, Thysanocara and Xenocara are now synonyms of Ancistrus.

How does Ancistrus work?

Ancistrus will constantly scour the glass, substrate and décor of their aquarium, effectively cleaning most surfaces and removing algae, even before it becomes visible.

How to catch Ancistrus catfish?

When catching your Ancistrus, take note that this genus, like most suckermouth catfish, have sharp, stiff pectoral and dorsal fin bones, along with various hooks on their head and mouth area. This means they are prone to seriously tangling and hurting themselves in a typical aquarium net. To safely catch them, use a plastic container instead!

What fish can Ancistrus be kept with?

Due to their peaceful nature, Ancistrus can be kept with most community fish. How are they useful? Ancistrus will constantly scour the glass, substrate and décor of their aquarium, effectively cleaning most surfaces and removing algae, even before it becomes visible.

Do Ancistrus need acidic or alkaline water?

Water chemistry is not as crucial as in some other cases: while many Ancistrus originate from softer, acidic water, they acclimate well to higher pH and hardness values, particularly if the fish are captive-bred (most Ancistrus available at fish stores are bred in captivity).

How many species of Ancistrus are there?

The Ancistrus is the largest group within the tribe Ancistrini and it currently has 64 recognized species. This fish, as well as its close cousin the Temminck’s Bristlenose A. temminckii are the two most commonly seen in the hobby.

How easy is it to find Ancistrus?

The Ancistrus species in general are widely available but finding a particular species can be difficult. More exotic varieties are available but can be expensive. Joseph S. Nelson, Fishes of the World, Wiley, 2006.

Where do Ancistrus fish come from?

Coming from fast flowing tributaries of the Amazon river, Ancistrus species prefer well oxygenated water with slow to moderate water flow. Occasionally this fish will dart to the surface to swallow air.

What is the best temperature for spawning Ancistrus?

For Ancistrus sp. 3 or A. triradiatus, a temperature range of 76-80°F is fine for the spawning tank. The water can be soft to medium hard with a pH from 6.0-7.8 and the aquarist should still be successful. The most import factor with regards to the tank’s water is that it is clean.

Will Ancistrus acclimatise to any conditions?

Will acclimatise to a wide range of conditions. pH: 5.5-8.0, dH: up to 20 degrees. Many similar species of Ancistrus enter the trade and are sold as Bristlenose Catfish. The most commonly seen are usually captive-bred and near impossible to correctly identify without the originality location.

What is Ancistrus cirrhosus?

The type species is Ancistrus cirrhosus. This genus is the largest genus within the tribe Ancistrini. The name ancistrus derives from the Ancient Greek agkistron “hook” – a reference to the form of the cheek odontodes. The genera Pristiancistrus, Thysanocara and Xenocara are now synonyms of Ancistrus.

How common are albino Ancistrus?

Albino variants are also common. The albino morph is not caused by exposure to light during development, it is a morph controlled by genetics. Historically, commonly available species of Ancistrus were Ancistrus cirrhosus and Ancistrus temminckii; other species are now available, though exact identification is difficult.

How big can a male catfish get?

Therefore, to swim for some distance without scrambling any objects with its cupule the catfish has to use its fins rather actively. It is one of the smallest tank catfish: its size is in the range from 8 to 15 cm (3,15-7 inches), but usually even the male size doesn’t exceed 15 cm (5 in).

How to get Ancistrus in a tank?

The best way to obtain a pair is to buy a group of at least 6 fish and grow them on together. A tank around 30″ x 12″ x 12″ will be needed to allow the males to develop territories. Furnish the tank with plenty of caves and refuges as, like other Ancistrus, this is a cave spawner.

What is Ancistrus?

Ancistrus is a diverse genus currently containing in excess of 60 valid species, distributed between Panama in Central America and the Río de la Plata drainage, Argentina.