Ancistrus brevipinnis (L059) Care Guide
Ancistrus brevipinnis (L059) is a short-finned bristlenose catfish, a peaceful algae-grazing loricariid for medium community tanks.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Ancistrus brevipinnis is a bristlenose catfish of the family Loricariidae, known in the hobby as L059. It is a smaller member of the genus with reduced fin length. As with all Ancistrus, mature males develop fleshy tentacles on the head, a feature largely absent in females.
Taxonomy
- Family: Loricariidae
- Genus: Ancistrus
- Scientific name: Ancistrus brevipinnis
- Tribe: Ancistrini
- L-number: L059
Habitat
Wikipedia describes the genus Ancistrus as native to freshwater habitats in South America and Panama, with many species in Amazon-basin rivers and floodplains. These are nocturnal fish that prefer flowing, well-oxygenated water and require driftwood and caves.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 120 L (about 32 gal)
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Seriously Fish recommends well-oxygenated water and plenty of cover for Ancistrus, with strong filtration and ample décor.
Diet
Wikipedia states the diet of Ancistrus consists of algae, aufwuchs and detritus, and notes there is no scientific evidence that the genus feeds on wood. Seriously Fish recommends sinking foods, frozen items and fresh vegetables. Fed around once daily.
Compatibility
Seriously Fish describes Ancistrus as relatively peaceful but territorial toward conspecifics and similarly shaped species. It is a bottom-dweller that suits medium community tanks with tetras and Corydoras, but other territorial plecos should be avoided.
Breeding
Ancistrus are cave-spawners. Wikipedia and Seriously Fish report that the male guards the eggs, which hatch in roughly 4-10 days, and continues to protect the fry for a period afterward.
Breeding Ancistrus brevipinnis (L059)
Overview
Ancistrus brevipinnis is a bristlenose loricariid endemic to Brazil, where Wikipedia records it from the Lagoa dos Patos drainage in Rio Grande do Sul. It reaches a standard length of about 10.7 cm, is more common in mountain streams and is more active at night; the IUCN lists it as Least Concern. Species-specific spawning reports are scarce, so the account below follows the documented breeding biology of the genus Ancistrus.
Sexing
In Ancistrus, adult males display prominent fleshy head tentacles, while females may have only smaller tentacles along the snout margin. Males also develop evertible cheek odontodes that are reduced or absent in females.
Breeding Setup
Ancistrus species breed in hollows, caves and bank holes, so enclosed caves should be provided as nest sites. As genus members occupy flowing-water habitats, well-oxygenated water with movement supports spawning.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Males prepare the nest site and court females by expanding the dorsal and caudal fins. Wikipedia notes research suggesting the head tentacles may act as a fry mimic to attract females.
Egg & Fry Care
Females deposit 20-200 adhesive eggs, usually onto the ceiling of the cavity. The male alone cleans and fans the eggs to maintain oxygen flow; eggs hatch within 4-10 days and the male guards the hatchlings for a further 7-10 days.
Common Challenges
Wikipedia notes there is no scientific evidence that Ancistrus feed on wood; the natural diet is algae, aufwuchs and detritus, so conditioning and fry rearing should rely on these foods rather than treating wood as nutrition.