Cat-eLog Right Loricariidae Right Hypostominae Right Ancistrus  |  | 

Down Cat-eLog Data Sheet
Scientific Name Ancistrus macrophthalmus  (Pellegrin, 1912)
Common Names LDA074, Large Eyed Bristlenose
Storøjet Sugemalle (Denmark)
Type Locality Río Orinoco, Venezuela.
Synonym(s) Xenocara macrophthalma
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. This specific epithet refers to its big(makros=big, large) eyes(opthalmus=eyes).
Down Species Information
Size 79mm or 3.1" 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.

When first described, Pellegrin remarked that compared to other Ancistrus (known at the time), this species has relatively larger eyes, a wider head, fewer interopercular odontodes, and a flatter body profile. Body color is overall brown above, white below.
Sexing Both sexes posses soft tentacles at adulthood. In the male they are typically thicker and often branched.
Down Habitat Information
Distribution South America: Orinoco River and lower parts of some of its tributaries in Venezuela.
Orinoco (click on these areas to find other species found there)

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IUCN Red List Category Least Concern, range map and more is available on the IUCN species page. Last assessed 2020.
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 All Ancistrus species are cave-breeders, where the male looks after the eggs and young fry.
Breeding Reports There are 2 breeding reports, read them all here.
Down Further Information
Reference Bulletin de la Société Zoologique de France v. 37 (no. 8), pp 271, Fig. 1.
Registered Keepers There are 22 registered keepers, view all "my cats" data.
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There are 2 wishes to keep this species, see who wants what.
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There are 13 records of this fish being seen, view them all.
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Last Update 2024 Mar 11 15:43 (species record created: 2008 May 31 04:24)