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Basics

Scientific Name: Ancistrus sp.

Family: Loricariidae

Origin: Tank raised, species from South America

Quick Facts

• Care Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Lifespan: 10-15 years average, 20-30 possible
• Water Conditions: 74-79° F, KH 6-10, pH 6.5-7.4
• Maximum Size: 4.5"
• Diet: Omnivore
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

Overview

The Bristlenose Plecostomus is also frequently called the Bushynose Plecostomus. This species comes in a variety of colorations and fin types. The blue-eyed variant is actually a leucistic fish; which is a mutation similar to albino where they lack pigment, but instead of only lacking melanin, they also lack other pigment as well. Blue-Eyed Bristlenoses have yellowish white bodies and striking, steel blue eyes. Their finnage and whisker-like appendages that grow in with age are the same as a regular bristlenose. 

Like most other plecos, they require driftwood and rockwork with plenty of secluded hiding places to reduce stress. They can be housed with a wide variety of community fish and even more aggressive fish. They are not picky eaters and can be fed a variety of foods; they will eat leftovers from their tankmates, algae from the side of the tank and decorations, and also can be supplemented with algae wafers and other herbivorous preparations as well as blanched vegetables. 

They are easy to breed and will spawn in captivity without much effort on the aquarist's part.