Cat-eLog Right Arrow Loricariidae Right Arrow Hypostominae Right Arrow Ancistrus

Jump to next section Cat-eLog Data Sheet
Scientific Name Ancistrus gymnorhynchus  Kner, 1851
Common Name Bristlenose Catfish
Type Locality Puerto Cabello, Venezuela.
Synonym(s) Ancistrus rothschildi, Xenocara gymnorhynchus, Xenocara rothschildi
Pronunciation an SISS truss - jim no rin kuss
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 naked (gymnos=naked) snout (rhynkus=snout) and refers to the reduced number of tentacles on its snout compared to other Ancistrus species.
Jump to next section Species Information
Size 135mm or 5.3" 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 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.
Jump to next section Habitat Information
Distribution South America: Upper Pao River basin in the Orinoco River drainage. Also found along coastal rivers of Venezuela.
Orinoco, Pao, Upper Pao (click on these areas to find other species found there)

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Temperature 24.0-27.0°C or 75.2-80.6°F (Show species within this range)
Jump to next section 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.
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.
Jump to next section Further Information
References Denkschr. Akad. Wiss. Wien v. 7 275 [25]
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Last Update 2007 Dec 30 04:21 (species record created: 2006 Feb 12 00:00)