SCOTCAT.COM
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Ancistrus punctatus (Steindachner, 1881) |
Image contributors to this species: |
Allan James (2) Leigh Murphy (3) Chris Ralph (2) Vitor Hugo Quaresma (1) Daniel Konn-Vetterlein (1) Johnny Jensen's Photographic Library (2) |
ScotCat Sources: |
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Other Sources: |
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Relevant Information: |
There is ongoing confusion with this species. It is similar to Ancistrus hoplogenys (Günther, 1864) in its juvenile stage but it does not posses the rusty coloured edges to the fins as A. punctatus has. Fishbase does not have A. punctatus registered but has it listed as a synonym. It has been given the L-number of L182 and also L120. Aquarium Care: As this is one of your larger Ancistrus sp. you would need to provide a good sized tank and hiding places. Water quality should be kept high with good filtration as this species can produce a lot of waste. Diet: The usual Ancistrus fare with vegetable foods high on its list such as cucumber and courgette (zucchini). Tablet , pellet foods and algae wafers are also much appreciated. Soft wood can be provided in the aquarium. 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. Etomology: The specific name punctatus: From the Latin punctatus = 'spotted'. |
Common Name: |
Starlight Bristlenose Pleco, L182, L120 |
Synonyms: |
Ancistrus hoplogenys, Chaetostomus hoplogenys, Ancistrus alga, Chaetostomus alga, Ancistrus tectirostris, Chaetostomus tectirostris, Chaetostomus cirrhosus punctata. |
Family: |
Loricariidae |
Distribution: |
South America: Lower course of the Rio Branco. |
Size: |
25.0cm. (10ins) |
Temp: |
25-29°c (77-85°f.) |
p.H. |
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6.0-7.5. |
Reference: |
Ferraris, C.J. Jr.,
2007. Checklist of catfishes, recent and fossil (Osteichthyes:
Siluriformes), and catalogue of siluriform primary
types. Zootaxa 1418:1-628. |
Family: Loricariidae Back to Ident-A-Cat Click on Thumbnails |
 Ancistrus
punctatus Male |
 Ancistrus
punctatus |
 Ancistrus
punctatusShowing mouth structure |
 Ancistrus
punctatus |
 Ancistrus
punctatusFemale |
 Ancistrus
punctatus Male fanning newly hatched fry inside an old Bioplast plastic CO2 diffuser |
 Ancistrus
punctatus Male fanning newly hatched fry inside an old Bioplast plastic CO2 diffuser |
 Ancistrus
punctatusFemale |
 Ancistrus
punctatus |
 Ancistrus
punctatus |
 Ancistrus
punctatus |
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