Cat-eLog Right Loricariidae Right Hypostominae Right Ancistrus  |  | 

Down Cat-eLog Data Sheet
Scientific Name Ancistrus occidentalis  (Regan, 1904)
Common Name
Type Locality Canelos, eastern Ecuador.
Synonym(s) Xenocara occidentalis
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. 
Down Species Information
Size 86mm or 3.4" 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.
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: Bobonaza River basin in Ecuador.
Amazon, Upper Amazon, Marañón, Pastaza, Bobonaza (click on these areas to find other species found there)

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IUCN Red List Category Not Evaluated
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 is no breeding report.
Down Further Information
Reference Transactions of the Zoological Society of London v. 17 (pt 3, no. 1)
Registered Keepers There is no registered keeper.
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Last Update 2020 Oct 28 16:57 (species record created: 2008 May 31 04:24)