Bristlenose catfish - Ancistrus sp.

Food and feeding
There diet is mainly algal based; sinking pellets or wafers should be added to the tank. Bog wood is also required as they will gnaw on this. Weekly treats of blood worm or brine shrimp should be provided.

Origin
Bristle nose catfish originate from South America.

Sexing
Females will be slightly smaller than the males; the bristles on their head will be less dominant.

Breeding
Crevices or caves should be provided in the tank. The male will select a spawning site and if the female is happy with it, she will follow the male inside and lay her eggs. The female will play no further part in raising the young. The male will fan the eggs until hatching and a few days later the fry will emerge. Once their yolk sacs have been consumed, they should be fed on a high vegetable diet.

Lifespan
Expected lifespan is 15+ years.

Short description
Males are very territorial especially when protecting their eggs, females tend to wander from shelter to shelter. These make excellent glass cleaners on the tank and will consume algae from the plants.

Pictures
Except the profile picture, other pictures were bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.