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

Jump to next section Cat-eLog Data Sheet
Scientific Name Ancistrus sp. (L159)   
Common Name L159
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. 
Jump to next section Species Information
Size 100mm or 3.9" 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.
Jump to next section Habitat Information
Distribution Exported from the Rio Xingu, Brazil.
Amazon, Lower Amazon, Xingu (click on these areas to find other species found there)

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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 are 2 breeding reports, read them all here.
Jump to next section Further Information
References Scraml, E. and F. Schaefer. 2004. Loricariidae: All L numbers. Aqualog. 271 pp. DATZ March 1994.
Registered Keepers Keeping this species? Why not .
There are 14 registered keepers, view all "my cats" data.
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Spotters Spotted this species somewhere? Click the binoculars!
There are 3 records of this fish being seen, view them all.
More on Ancistrus sp. (L159)
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Last Update 2007 Jan 12 01:13 (species record created: 2006 Dec 29 10:49)