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Ancistrus sp. 'tortoiseshell'

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Relevant Information:

This small Ancistrus species was first seen in the Eastern part of Germany. It is thought to be a mutation as they are fertile and show many different colour patterns from an orange body colour with a few black spots to a brown/black body with orange spots. These are now being bred in Germany. Aquarium Care: This is a smallish Ancistrus species in the home aquarium were it will grow to about the 10cm. length but larger in its natural habitat. 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: The female lays her eggs in caves or crevices... that the male has chosen and cleaned.... as a cluster. The male usually then guards the eggs after ejecting the female. The fry then cling to the sides of the cave and when they use up their yolk sac, which is around the four to seven day period, they will be ready to feed on infusuria, vegetable matter, brine shrimp naupli or micro worms. In a community tank a few will survive if enough hiding places are afforded to them.

Common Name:

Tortoiseshell Ancistrus

Synonyms:

None

Family:

Loricariidae

Distribution:

Captive bred

Size:

6cm. (2½ins)

Temp:

23-27°c (73-81°f.)

p.H.

6.0-7.2.

Reference:

AquaLog News no. 6.

Family: Loricariidae Back to Ident-A-Cat Click on Thumbnails

Ancistrus sp.'tortoiseshell'

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