All fish / Loricariidae

Ancistrus dubius

Ancistrus dubius

Also known as bristlenose pleco, bristlenose catfish, dubius bristlenose, spotted bristlenose, l-number ancistrus, アンシストルス, 胡子异型

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A small, flattened suckermouth catfish with a dark body speckled in pale spots, and the fleshy facial bristles typical of the genus, which are larger in males. It is kept for its modest size, hardy nature and steady grazing of algae and biofilm in planted community tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

10 cm

Temperature

23 to 28 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

Singly or in a small group; one male per territory

Diet

Omnivore: algae wafers, blanched vegetables, sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm, plus wood to rasp

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Brazil and Bolivia: Paraguay and upper Guaporé (Madeira) river basins

Breeding

Males guard eggs laid by the female inside caves or crevices and fan them until the fry are free swimming. Like most bristlenoses it spawns fairly readily in captivity if suitable caves and good water quality are provided.

Good to know

Often sold mixed with or mislabelled as other Ancistrus species, so true identity can be hard to confirm. Males can be territorial towards each other, so provide several caves.