L183 bristlenose

aeroflight · Post by **aeroflight** » 31 May 2003, 16:35

I've been looking for a good algae eating pleco. The common bristlenose was the one most often recommended to me. However I'm thinking I may like to try something a little fancier (in terms of color) and have been thinking about trying to get a couple L183's. Is there any significant difference (in terms of care/breeding/algae-eating) between the common bristlenose and L183? From what I've found by searching around here for info on the L183 (most of which deals with breeding), they appear to behave quite similarly. Thanks for the help.

Kostas · Post by **Kostas** » 02 Jun 2003, 19:12

Hi,
I think that the only difference between these sp. are the color and the behaviour.Common bristle nose shows some owner responsibility while L183 doesnt recognise you as his owner and he is shy.When he sees a human he hides away.Also he is a little bit more difficult to breed because they are almost all wild caught.

aeroflight · Post by **aeroflight** » 03 Jun 2003, 02:11

Thanks! I was trying to decide whether to go for something a little more exotic or not. Given that info, I think I'll just go for a pair of common bristlenose. I finally found an lfs that has a few in stock. Now to see what this'll do to my bioload (I may have to loose a few fish to make room for the bristlenose). Thanks again.

Yann · Post by **Yann** » 03 Jun 2003, 09:06

Hi!
Ancistrus sp L183 is coming form the black waters of the Rio Negro so you will need a rather soft and acid ph for water, but you can get them accustome to more neutral parameters.
Cheers
Yann