All fish / Loricariidae

White Seam Bristlenose

Ancistrus leucostictus

Also known as l059, l-059, l59, white seam bristlenose pleco, white spotted bristlenose, white seam ancistrus, guyana bristlenose

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A dark bristlenose catfish dotted with small white spots, with pale edges on the dorsal and tail fins that give it its trade name. Adult males grow fleshy bristles on the snout. Keepers like it as a hardy, modest-sized algae grazer that is a little more unusual than the common bristlenose.

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 in a group with several caves; males defend territories

Diet

Omnivore: algae wafers, blanched vegetables, bogwood to rasp, plus small frozen foods such as bloodworm

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Essequibo River basin, Guyana (also reported from Suriname)

Breeding

A cave spawner: the female lays her eggs in a cave or tube and the male guards and fans them until the fry are free-swimming. It breeds fairly readily in captivity if you give it caves, clean, well-oxygenated water and a good diet.

Good to know

Give it well-oxygenated water with some current and driftwood. It is often sold under L numbers, and similar spotted Ancistrus species are easily mistaken for it.