All fish / Loricariidae

Spotted Bristlenose Pleco

Ancistrus hoplogenys

Also known as polka dot bristlenose, snowflake bristlenose, white spotted bristlenose, l059, l071, l181, starlight bristlenose, spotted ancistrus, gold seam bristlenose, アンシストルス・ホプロゲニス, 白点大胡子异型

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This is a dark, almost black bristlenose catfish with white or pale spots and often a pale edge to the dorsal and tail fins. Males grow the typical fleshy bristles on the snout. Keepers like it because it stays small enough for community tanks, grazes algae and is more striking than the common bristlenose.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

12 cm

Temperature

24 to 29 °C

pH

5.5 to 7.5

Smallest tank

120 litres

Keep as

Single or a pair; males fight over caves

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Amazon, Essequibo and Orinoco basins: Brazil, Guyana, Colombia, Peru

Breeding

It breeds in caves, and the male guards the eggs and wrigglers until they are free swimming. Spawning in captivity happens but is less regular than in the common bristlenose and usually needs soft, warm, well oxygenated water and suitable caves.

Good to know

Several loosely related spotted Ancistrus are sold under this name and its L numbers, so the true species can be hard to confirm. Provide driftwood and good water flow, and keep only one male in smaller tanks.