What kind of fish is Ancistrus?
What kind of fish is Ancistrus?
] Ancistrus is a genus of nocturnal freshwater fish in the family Loricariidae of order Siluriformes, native to freshwater habitats in South America and Panama. Fish of this genus are common in the aquarium trade where known as bushynose or bristlenose catfish.
Are Ancistrus good for aquariums?
Ancistrus sp. are great algae eaters, and growing to a maximum 12cm in length, offer a welcome alternative to the common Pleco which attains a monstrous size and is unsuitable for all but the largest of aquariums. Bristlenose catfish prefer a strong water current with plenty of oxygenation.
Are bristlenose catfish the same as Ancistrus?
Many similar species of Ancistrus enter the trade and are sold as Bristlenose Catfish. The most commonly seen are usually captive-bred and near impossible to correctly identify without the originality location.
How do you care for a bristlenose catfish?
Bristlenose catfish prefer a strong water current with plenty of oxygenation. Numerous hiding places should be provided, and should include a good amount of bogwood in order for the fish to graze and extract lignin from it – an essential part of their diet.
What is Ancistrus cirrhosus?
The type species is Ancistrus cirrhosus. This genus is the largest genus within the tribe Ancistrini. The name ancistrus derives from the Ancient Greek agkistron “hook” – a reference to the form of the cheek odontodes. The genera Pristiancistrus, Thysanocara and Xenocara are now synonyms of Ancistrus.
What do Ancistrus like to eat?
Mature males and sometimes females have soft tentacles (bushy fleshy growths) on the snout – this is unique to the genus Ancistrus. Ancistrus should be fed mainly on vegetarian foods. Prepared foods include algae wafers and spirulina based sinking food.
Where is Ancistrus found in the world?
Ancistrus is one of the widest ranging Loricariid genera, and representatives are found in most areas where the family in general is present. Many species are found in the rivers and floodplain areas of the Amazon basin, but there are also species elsewhere in tropical South America, as well as two species, A. centrolepis and A. chagresi in Panama.