All fish / Loricariidae

Spotted Bristlenose Pleco

Ancistrus eustictus

Also known as spotted bristlenose, l-numbered bristlenose, ancistrus eustictus, eustictus pleco, spotted ancistrus, アンシストルス・エウスティクタス, 斑点胡子异型

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A small, dark brown armoured catfish with a scattering of pale spots, and males grow the bushy snout tentacles typical of bristlenoses. It is kept for its modest size, hardy nature and habit of grazing algae from surfaces and wood.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

12 cm

Temperature

23 to 28 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

100 litres

Keep as

Singly or one male with several females

Diet

Omnivore: algae wafers, blanched vegetables, bogwood, plus frozen bloodworm and sinking pellets

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Colombia and Venezuela (Orinoco basin)

Breeding

Cave spawner; the male guards and fans the eggs inside a cave or pipe until the fry become free swimming. Breeding is fairly easy in a mature tank with suitable caves and good water quality.

Good to know

Males defend caves against each other, so provide one cave per fish in smaller tanks. Supply driftwood and strong filtration, as it produces a lot of waste.