Family - Loricariidae.
Origin – South America, Saramacca, Suriname,
and Maroni River basins.
Size – 4-5 inches (10-13 cm).
First discovered – Valenciennes, 1840.
Nutrition – Vegetarian, eats algae and algae wafers, also feeds on fresh vegetables.
Behavior – peaceful, males can be aggressive towards other males.
Maintenance and care –requires minimum tank of 36 inches in length
and minimum 20 gallon Tank size.
The Ancistrus temminckii will appreciate many hiding places as possible;
decorate his tank with plants, Woods and caves. Perform water changes on weekly Basis.
Water Parameters – PH 5.8-7.5, temperature: 72-86F (22-30C).
Breeding – easy to breed in home aquarium, the Bristlenose pleco need their own Tank to
breed successfully, 20 gallon tank will be suitable for a pair. Decorate the tank with caves or tunnels (PVC pipe) as spawning site.
After laying eggs the male will protect them from other males and other fish (if there are any).
In nature the Bristlenose pleco spawn eggs in the rainy season, in order to imitate this process you just
need to make a big water change. After about 10 days the golden eggs hatch.
The fry can be fed on fresh vegetables such as cucumber, zucchini and lettuce,
they also eat catfish pellets and algae.
