All fish / Loricariidae

Bolivian Bristlenose Pleco

Ancistrus bolivianus

Also known as ancistrus marcapatae, bolivian bristlenose, marcapata bristlenose, bolivian bushynose, bolivian ancistrus, bristlenose catfish, アンシストルス・ボリビアヌス, 玻利维亚胡子异型

A dark brown to blackish bristlenose with fine pale spots, flattened body and the typical fleshy tentacles on the snout, which are much more developed in males. It comes from cool, fast, well oxygenated foothill streams and is kept as a hardy algae grazer that tolerates lower temperatures than most plecos.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

12 cm

Temperature

18 to 25 °C

pH

6 to 7.8

Smallest tank

100 litres

Keep as

Single or a pair; several with plenty of caves

Diet

Omnivore: algae wafers, blanched vegetables, biofilm, plus occasional bloodworm and shrimp

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Upper Madeira basin (Mamoré and Beni drainages), Bolivia and southern Peru

Breeding

A cave spawner in which the male guards the eggs and wrigglers inside a tube or cave until they become free swimming. It breeds readily in captivity given caves, clean oxygen-rich water and good feeding.

Good to know

Prefers cooler, well oxygenated water than common bristlenoses, so avoid keeping it permanently warm. Males can squabble over caves, and the species is easily confused with other dark spotted Ancistrus.