All fish / Loricariidae

Gold Nugget Dwarf Bristlenose

Ancistrus claro

Also known as ancistrus claro, l-number ancistrus claro, dwarf bristlenose, spotted dwarf ancistrus, claro bristlenose, ldA08, アンシストルス・クラロ

A very small bristlenose pleco with a dark body covered in fine pale spots, and males grow short bristles on the snout. It is kept for its tiny adult size, which makes it suitable for nano and planted tanks where it grazes on algae and biofilm.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

6 cm

Temperature

22 to 28 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

40 litres

Keep as

Singly or in a small group with plenty of caves

Diet

Omnivore: algae wafers, blanched vegetables, biofilm, plus small frozen foods

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Upper Paraguay basin, Mato Grosso, Brazil

Breeding

A cave spawner in which the male guards eggs and fry inside a narrow cave. It has been bred in captivity but less often than the common bristlenose, and soft, clean, well-oxygenated water helps.

Good to know

Wild-caught imports are not common and the species can be confused with juvenile spotted Ancistrus of larger species, so check adult size before buying.