All fish / Loricariidae

Bushynose Pleco

Ancistrus jelskii

Also known as l159, l-159, starlight bristlenose, jelski's bristlenose, bushynose pleco, spotted bristlenose, ancistrus jelski

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A small bristlenose catfish with a dark body covered in fine pale spots, often traded under the L-number L159. Males grow branched tentacles on the snout. It is kept for its manageable size, hardiness and habit of grazing algae from glass and decor.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

10 cm

Temperature

22 to 27 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

Singly or one male with several females

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Upper Amazon basin in Peru, Bolivia and Brazil

Breeding

A cave spawner: the female lays eggs inside a cave or tube, and the male guards and fans them until the fry are free-swimming. It breeds fairly readily in captivity when caves and good water quality are provided.

Good to know

Males defend caves and may squabble, so give each one its own hiding place. Many spotted Ancistrus look alike, so check the identity of fish sold under this name.