Scientific name: Ancistrus temminckii

Common name: Longfin Bristlenose

Family: Loricariidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 13 - 15 cm (5.12 - 5.91 inch)

014

Recommended pH range for the species: 6 - 7.3

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 18°N (71.43 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 21 - 27 °C (69.8 - 80.6°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Food

The Bushy Nose Pleco is an herbivore that feeds on algae. There might not be sufficient amounts of algae growing in the aquarium to feed this sucker fish so be sure to supplement their diet with algae wafers, zucchini, peas, or other greens.

Sexing

The males tend to grow slightly larger than the females. Males will also have more bristles on their noses than females.

Breeding

Bristle Nose Plecos breed in rock or log caves. The female will lay up to 200 eggs and place them on the ceiling of the cave. The male takes on the responsibility as the guardian of the eggs and fry. The female has nothing to do with raising or caring for the young. The eggs will take up to 10 days to hatch and the fry take up to 4 days to absorb their yolk sacs.

Origin

Ancistrus temminckii are endemic to Guiana and Suriname of South America.

Lifespan

The lifespan of Bushynose pleco is approximately 12 years.

Short Description

The Bushy Nose Pleco is also known as the Bristle Nose Pleco. This is a shy species that tends to hide when not looking for food. They are great algae eaters that are preferred over common plecos because they do not grow very large. The maximum size of this pleco is 6 inches while common plecos can grow up to 24 inches. This Ancistrus species is very similar to all of the other Ancistrus species with only very slight differences.