L059, White Seam Bristlenose

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Widespread in the Brazilian Amazon basin, with concentrations in the Rio Tocantins and Araguaia basin. Typically found in "blackwater" or "clearwater" rivers among piles of broken branches and submerged rocks.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Starlight Bristlenose Pleco (L059 / Ancistrus hoplogenys). Famous for its "Starry Sky" coloration. Body slightly flatter than its conspecifics and mouth equipped with exceptional suction cup strength. "Hoplogenys" refers to the bony armor of the cheeks.

Social Behavior: Relatively shy during the day, prefers to remain hidden in dark ravines. At dusk it becomes methodical and tireless in its search for food on the bottom. Highly intolerant towards other Ancistrus males in its territory.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Superb "Starlight" livery: deep black background studded with very numerous and tiny fluorescent bluish-white dots. In juveniles the dorsal and caudal fin is bordered with a dazzling white. Adult males with an extensive "rack" of bristles on the snout.

Aquarium Setup: Minimum 100 cm (40 inches) tank. Ideal "Blackwater" setup: lights shielded by floating leaves, amber water from tannin release (Mopani woods or bog roots) and terracotta tubes in which the animal will hide and nest.

Diet and Feeding: Mostly vegetarian (algae eater and wood scraper). Provide plenty of spirulina, softened catappa leaves, blanched zucchini, peas and pumpkin. Grant a minimal share of proteins (bloodworms) once every two weeks.

Water Quality: Requires warm (25-29°C / 77-84°F), soft and moderately acidic waters (pH 5.5-7.0). Sensitive to high nitrates: its boundless appetite produces a heavy organic load, to be managed with frequent regular water changes and generous filtration.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Excellent cleaner for medium-sized Amazonian communities (Dwarf Cichlids, Tetras, Corydoras, Discus). Do not place in tanks with aggressive Asian "scrapers" or with large Central American cichlids that would harass it.

Aquarium Reproduction: Occurs spontaneously in mature tanks. The male chooses a single-entry cavity (bamboo or coconut tube), attracts the female there to lay the large amber eggs, and then cares for them (fanning them) for about two weeks.

Risks and Diseases: Lethal intestinal obstruction if vegetable fibers (vegetables and real woods to scrape) are not administered. To be isolated in case of treatments with malachite green or copper, to which it is extremely intolerant (absence of classic scales).