Habitat:
All the clearwater spring rivers run into Rio Formoso
but here the water is more cloudy. This undescribed
Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus sp. Rio Formoso 2) only
seem to occur in the murky waters (Petersen, P.).
Sexual Differences: Typical Ancistrus
shape with both sexes sporting bristles to the
head area with the male having the larger and more
impressive tentacles. Aquarium Care:
The Ancistrus genera make good community
fish where they do not grow too big for the aquarium.
Some species have different requirements in the aquarium
so best to read up on the species you have whereas
if they need higher oxygen requirements or not, or
if they prefer cooler waters if they originate from
the southern parts of South America against the species
from further up north. Diet: Mainly
vegetarian with a liking for algae but as this will
be in short supply in a tank set-up can be fed on
soft veg such as cucumber, courgette (zucchini), raw
potato plus loricaria tablets. Will also eat worm
food but its main diet would have to be vegetarian.
Reproduction: Lay their eggs in caves
as a cluster and the first signs of the breeding process
is a few tiny fry darting around the community tank.
Ancistrus
sp. 'Rio Formoso' (2) Female in stress colouration
Ancistrus
sp. 'Rio Formoso' (2) Adult head view
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