All fish / Loricariidae

Spiny Bristlenose Catfish

Ancistrus multispinis

Also known as bristlenose pleco, multispine bristlenose, spiny bristlenose, ancistrus multispinnis, bushynose pleco, アンシストルス・マルチスピニス, 多刺胡子鲶

A dark brown to blackish bristlenose with fine pale spots and many short spines on the body, and males grow the typical fleshy bristles on the snout. It comes from cooler, fast-flowing Atlantic forest streams in Brazil and is kept as a hardy, compact algae grazer.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

11 cm

Temperature

18 to 25 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

Singly or in a small group with plenty of caves

Diet

Omnivore: algae wafers, blanched vegetables, biofilm, sinking pellets and some frozen foods

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Southeastern Brazil, coastal rivers of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Paraná and Santa Catarina

Breeding

A cave spawner in which the male guards the eggs and wrigglers inside a cave until the young are free-swimming. It breeds readily in captivity when caves and good oxygenation are provided.

Good to know

Prefers cooler, well-oxygenated water than most bristlenoses, so avoid keeping it warm long term. Males are territorial over caves, and it is easily confused with the common Ancistrus sp. bristlenose in the trade.