Cat-eLog Right Loricariidae Right Hypostominae Right Ancistrus  |  | 

Down Cat-eLog Data Sheet
Scientific Name Ancistrus cryptophthalmus  Reis, 1987
Common Name Bristlenose Catfish
Type Locality Caverna Passa Três, about 300 meters into the cave, 13°20' to 13°52'S, 46°16' to 46°30'W, Rio São Vicente system, São Domingos, Goiás State, Brazil.
Pronunciation an SISS truss - krip toff thal muss
Etymology The name Ancistrus is derived from the Greek word agkistron, meaning hook, in reference to the interopercular odontodes that are hooked. This specific epithet literally means hidden (kryptos=hidden) eyes(opthalmus=eyes) and refers to the cave species lack of eyes.
Down Species Information
Size 60mm or 2.4" 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.

A blind species; living all its life in the darkness of the cave, it has lost the need for eyes and does not have any. It still has a slight medium sized spotted pattern around the head.
Sexing Typical for the genus with males possessing the so-called ''bushy nose''. Females also may have much smaller growths on the head but to a much lesser extent.
General Remarks The type locality was reported within a range of latitudes and longitudes. Here the ranges have been averaged as 13°36'S, 46°23'W in order to pin the type locality.
Down Habitat Information
Distribution South America: São Vicente and Angélica-Bezerra cave system in upper Paraná River, Tocantins River drainage in Brazil.

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IUCN Red List Category Endangered, range map and more is available on the IUCN species page. Last assessed 2018.
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 Has been bred. Tank of 100 litre, 17-25°C depending on season, with negligible daily variation, decorated with limestone. Tank was in darkness except for maintenance activities. Breeding and fry care is as for other Ancistrus species.
Breeding Reports There is no breeding report.
Down Further Information
Reference Revue française d'Aquariologie Herpétologie v. 14 (no. 3), pp 82, Figs. 1, 3-4.
Registered Keepers There is no registered keeper.
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Last Update 2020 Nov 18 16:08 (species record created: 2003 Nov 09 00:00)