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Peter Petersen (2)

The first image is an an adult and the second image a 6cm juvenile of the undescribed Spring Water Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus sp. 'Rio Fomoso'). Habitat: This species is present in all the clearwater spring rivers which run into the Rio Formoso, but I never found them in the main river (Petersen, P.). Sexual Differences: Typical Ancistrus shape with both sexes sporting bristles to the head area with the male having the larger and more impressive tentacles. 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: Mainly vegetarian with a liking for algae but as this will be in short supply in a tank set-up can be fed on soft veg such as cucumber, courgette (zucchini), raw potato plus loricaria tablets. Will also eat worm food but its main diet would have to be vegetarian. 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.

Spring Water Bristlenose Pleco

None

Loricariidae

Brazil: Mato Grosso do Sul

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23-26°c (73-79°f.)

6.0-7.5.