Catfish - Ancistrus tamboensis
Scientific name: Ancistrus tamboensis
Common name: Catfish
Family: Loricariidae
Usual size in fish tanks: 8 - 11 cm (3.15 - 4.33 inch)
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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.5 - 7.4
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 6 - 20°N (107.14 - 357.14ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 23 - 28 °C (73.4 - 82.4°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 and feeding
Bog wood must be added to the aquarium as these catfish gnaw on this to aid their digestion. Diet of Ancistrus tamboensis should comprise of mainly vegetable matter, algae wafers, catfish pellets and cucumber are ideal. They will still relish treats of brine shrimp and blood worm.
Origin
South America; these catfish are found the basins of the Rio Tambo, Peru.
Sexing
Males will develop fleshy tentacles around the snout when mature; these will be less dominant or even no-existant on the females.
Breeding
The males will attract a female to a chosen spawning site, usually a tunnel or crevice, and once she has spawned, the female will be driven out. The male will guard the nest and the fry when they first hatch. After a couple of weeks, the fry should emerge from the nest and can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp.
Lifespan
The expected life span for Ancistrus tamboensis is 12 years.
Short description
In the aquarium these catfish will require well oxygenated water with a current. Provide hiding places with bogwood or terracotta piping. They are peaceful and can be added to any community set up.