Cat-eLog Right Loricariidae Right Hypostominae Right Ancistrus  |  | 

Down Cat-eLog Data Sheet
Scientific Name Ancistrus bolivianus  (Steindachner, 1915)
Common Name Bristlenose Catfish
Type Locality Río Songo in North Yungas, Upper Amazon, Bolivia.
Synonym(s) Xenocara boliviana
Pronunciation an SISS truss
Etymology The name Ancistrus is derived from the Greek word agkistron, meaning hook, in reference to the interopercular odontodes that are hooked. Named for Bolivia, this species country of origin.
Down Species Information
Size 88mm or 3.5" SL. Find near, nearer or same sized spp.
Identification Mature males and sometimes females have soft tentacles (bushy fleshy growths) on the snout - this is unique to the genus Ancistrus.
Sexing Males develop soft tentacles on the head and while sometimes females also do, it is never to the grand extent of those found on that of the conspecific male.
Down Habitat Information
Distribution South America: Beni, Mamoré and Madre de Dios River basins.
Amazon, Middle Amazon (Solimoes), Madeira, Madre de Dios (click on these areas to find other species found there)
Amazon, Middle Amazon (Solimoes), Madeira, Beni (click on these areas to find other species found there)
Amazon, Middle Amazon (Solimoes), Madeira, Mamoré (click on these areas to find other species found there)

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IUCN Red List Category Vulnerable, range map and more is available on the IUCN species page. Last assessed 2014.
Down Husbandry Information
Feeding Ancistrus should be fed mainly on vegetarian foods. Prepared foods include algae wafers and spirulina based sinking food. Vegetables such as courgette/zucchini, and (English) cucumber are an excellent addition to the diet, along with the odd, small amount of more meaty foods. User data.
Compatibility A good complement to most aquariums, they are not aggressive to other species. Males may fight over territory if kept in too small a tank.
Suggested Tankmates Appropriate with most community fish that aren't overly big or aggressive.
Breeding Unreported.
Breeding Reports There is no breeding report.
Down Further Information
Reference Denkschr. Akad. Wiss. Wien v. 93 95 [81] Pl. 9 (figs. 5-6)
Registered Keepers There is no registered keeper.
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There is no wish to keep this species.
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There is no record of this fish being seen.
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Last Update 2008 Jan 21 12:15 (species record created: 2008 Jan 19 06:19)