All fish / Loricariidae

Ancistrus heterorhynchus

Ancistrus heterorhynchus

Also known as ancistrus marcapatae, marcapata bristlenose, bristlenose pleco, peruvian bristlenose, l-number ancistrus, 异吻钩鲇

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A mid-sized bristlenose catfish from Andean foothill streams of Peru, with a dark brown body sprinkled with pale spots and the fleshy snout bristles typical of the genus, which are larger in males. It is kept as an attractive, hardy algae grazer for well-oxygenated community tanks and by catfish enthusiasts who like rarer Ancistrus.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

10 cm

Temperature

20 to 25 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

Singly or a pair; one male per tank unless space is generous

Diet

Omnivore: algae wafers, blanched vegetables, bogwood to rasp, plus occasional frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Upper Amazon basin in Peru (Urubamba and Madre de Dios drainages)

Breeding

A cave spawner: the male guards eggs in a tube or cave until the fry become free-swimming. Breeding is achievable in captivity when cooler, well-oxygenated water and suitable caves are provided, though it is less often bred than the common bristlenose.

Good to know

Comes from fast, cool upland rivers, so it needs strong flow and high oxygen and dislikes very warm water. Identification in the genus is difficult and many trade fish labelled with this name may be misidentified.