All fish / Loricariidae

Starlight Bristlenose Pleco

Ancistrus dolichopterus

Also known as starlight bristlenose, starlight ancistrus, l183, l-183, white seam bristlenose, ancistrus variolus, ancistrus dolichopterus, bristlenose pleco l183, アンシストルス・ドリコプテルス, L183, 星光大胡子

This bristlenose is jet black and covered in small white spots, and its dorsal and tail fins have bright white edges that fade a little as it ages. Males grow branched bristles on the snout. Keepers like it for its striking contrast, modest size and the way it grazes algae and biofilm.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

12 cm

Temperature

26 to 30 °C

pH

5 to 7

Smallest tank

100 litres

Keep as

Single or a pair; give each male its own cave

Diet

Omnivore: sinking algae wafers, blanched vegetables, bloodworm and other frozen foods, with bogwood to rasp

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Rio Negro and middle Amazon basin, Brazil

Breeding

Males guard a cave where the female lays a clutch of eggs, and he fans them until the fry hatch and leave. Spawning in captivity is possible but less reliable than with the common bristlenose, and soft, acidic, warm water seems to help.

Good to know

Ancistrus variolus is treated as a synonym of A. dolichopterus, sold under L183 and sometimes L136 variants. It comes from warm blackwater, so it does poorly in cool or hard water, and males squabble over caves.