Golden Bristlenose Plecostomus (Ancistrus sp)
As long as they have well-oxygenated water and plenty of cover decor, Golden Bristlenose plecos, Ancistrus sp, are relatively undemanding.
Most peaceful community fish get along with these Plecos. However, it is advisable not to keep them in a tank with fish of similar size and shape as they become territorial. In addition, these Plecos may acquire a taste for slime coats from slow-moving, high-sided fish so try to avoid housing these Plecos with that sort of species.
Individuals and groups of Golden Bristlenose plecos seem to thrive together. Young Plecos are often seen during the day, although as they mature, they become more active at night. These Plecos are also great aquarium cleaners; they will clean the glass and substrate of your tank daily.
A Golden Bristlenose Pleco's overall body colour is gold, and its stomach is whitish-cream in colour. Additionally, their heads are broader, and their eyes are red. Compared to the common Pleco, these Plecos are shorter, fatter, and flatter. Additionally, they have a pair of abdominal and pectoral fins and a round mouth with elongated lips, making them excellent suckers.
There is also a long-finned version of this species in the aquarium hobby, usually sold as a butterfly or veiltail catfish.
Photos
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ancistrus sp |
| Other Names | Albino Gold Ancistrus |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Siluriformes |
| Family | Loricariidae |
| Genus | Ancistrus |
| Origins | Panama, Suriname |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | Pairs |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Layer |
| Lifespan | up to 12 years |
| Water Parameters | |
|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| PH | 5.5 - 7.5 |
| GH | 6 - 10 |
| TDS | 18 – 268 |
| Temperature | |
|---|---|
| 69 - 79℉ 20.6 - 26.1℃ | |
Feeding
In the home aquarium, the Golden Bristlenose Plecostomus will readily accept most good quality dried foods such as granules, flakes and sinking pellets. These modern food products have been developed to provide all adequate nutrition to maintain your fish's health and dietary requirements.
Providing additional foodstuffs such as live, frozen, and freeze-dried meals such as bloodworm, daphnia, and tubifex once or twice a week will provide additional benefits to your fish's health and well-being but is not a must for this fish.
It should be noted that bloodworms should only be given as an occasional treat and should not be used as the staple diet as they are difficult for fish to digest and can potentially cause blockages.
This fish is an omnivore in the wild, meaning it will consume some vegetable matter. Although most modern fish foods take this into account and include them in their products, you can still supplement your fish's diet with blanched vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and zucchini. Ensure you do not overfeed your fish and remove any leftovers the following day.
Tank Mates
1 interesting tank mate ideas for the Golden Bristlenose Plecostomus could include:
Sexual Dimorphism
It is reasonably simple to distinguish male from female Golden Bristlenose Plecos. Adult males possess well-developed odontodes on the pectoral fins and have many longer thicker opercle tentacles covering the nose, whereas females have short, thin pointed tentacles on the snout.