Cat-eLog Right Loricariidae Right Hypostominae Right Ancistrus  |  | 

Down Cat-eLog Data Sheet
Scientific Name Ancistrus sericeus  (Cope, 1872)
Common Name
Type Locality Río Ambyiacu, Peru.
Synonym(s) Chaetostoma sericeus, Chaetostomus sericeus
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 50mm or 2" 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: Ampiyacu River basin in Peru.
Amazon, Upper Amazon, Ampiyacu (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 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 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 Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia v. 23, pp 288.
Registered Keepers There is no registered keeper.
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Last Update 2020 Oct 27 06:23 (species record created: 2017 Jan 04 13:50)