All fish / Loricariidae

Muller's Bristlenose Pleco

Ancistrus mullerae

Also known as muller's bristlenose, mullerae bristlenose, ancistrus mullerae, muller's ancistrus, muellerae pleco

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A small bristlenose catfish from Venezuelan blackwater and clearwater rivers, usually dark brown to black with fine pale spots. Males grow branched bristles on the snout. It is kept as a hardy, peaceful algae grazer that adds interest to soft-water community tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

10 cm

Temperature

24 to 29 °C

pH

5.5 to 7.2

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

Single or a pair; give males separate caves

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Venezuela (upper Orinoco and Casiquiare basins)

Breeding

A cave spawner in which the male guards eggs and fry inside a tube or cave until they become free-swimming. Breeding is fairly achievable in soft, slightly acidic, well-oxygenated water, though it is seen less often than the common bristlenose.

Good to know

Rarely exported and easily confused with other dark spotted Ancistrus, so identification by sellers is often uncertain. Needs good oxygenation and driftwood to rasp.