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Sam Jenkins (1) Allan James (3) Robert Renfro (3) Robert W Brown (2)

It is extremely difficult to identify many of this genera unless there is substantial location information. The "Common Bristlenose" has been bred and distributed in many countries and as such is hard to ascribe to species. Can be bred in a community tank but you will not get the high numbers of fry that a breeding tank will be able to produce. The fry will be left alone once they are free swimming. They will have white edges to the dorsal and caudal fins but this trait will subside until the older juveniles will only sport this colouration on the top tip of the caudal fin. Reproduction: The female lays her eggs in caves or crevices... that the male has chosen and cleaned.... as a cluster. The male usually then guards the eggs after ejecting the female. The fry then cling to the sides of the cave and when they use up their yolk sac, which is around the four to seven day period, they will be ready to feed on infusuria, vegetable matter, brine shrimp naupli or micro worms. In a community tank a few will survive if enough hiding places are afforded to them. Aquarium Care: The Ancistrus genera make good community fish where they do not grow too big for the aquarium. Some species have different requirements in the aquarium so best to read up on the species you have whereas if they need higher oxygen requirements or not, or if they prefer cooler waters if they originate from the southern parts of South America against the species from further up north. Diet: Vegetable foods such as cucumber and courgette and also tablet and meaty foods.

Common Bristlenose Catfish

None

Loricariidae

South America: Captive bred.

14.0cm. (5½ins)

23-27°c (73-81°f.)

6.0-7.5.