The first image is an an adult
and the second image a 6cm juvenile of the undescribed
Spring Water Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus
sp. Rio Fomoso). This species is present in all the
clearwater spring rivers which run into the Rio Formoso,
but I never found them in the main river (Petersen,
P.). 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.
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