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First introduced in the DATZ magazine October 1990, pages 585-586. There are three L-number codes for this species which are one and the same. L071, L181 and L249. Very similar to Ancistrus dolichopterus (L183) but has fewer dorsal fin rays. Juveniles sport white fin edgings. Adult males sport long tentacles on the anterior of the head which is unique to this family. Females usually have short tentacles around the mouth. 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: Vegetable foods such as cucumber and courgette and also tablet and meaty foods. 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.

L071, L181, L249, White-spotted bristlenose catfish.

None

Loricariidae

Brazil: Middle and lower Amazon system. Rio Tapajós, Rio Tefé, Rio Trombetas, Rio Manacapuru.

12.0cm. (4¾ins)

22-27°c (71-81°f.)

6.0-7.5.

All L-Numbers Datz Special. www.datze.de 
Seidel, Ingo; Back to Nature guide to L-catfishes 208 p