Black Bristlenose L181 Care Guide
Ancistrus hoplogenys (L181) is a dark Amazonian bristlenose; the name covers a taxonomically confused group needing soft, acidic water.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Ancistrus hoplogenys is an armoured catfish of the family Loricariidae traded under the L-number L181. The name has long been applied loosely across a group of dark, white-seamed bristlenoses, and PlanetCatfish notes that the L181 import is widely regarded as Ancistrus dolichopterus rather than true A. hoplogenys. FishBase gives a maximum size of about 15.8 cm standard length and a low trophic level of 2.0.
Taxonomy
- Family: Loricariidae
- Genus: Ancistrus
- Scientific name: Ancistrus hoplogenys
- Order: Siluriformes
- Hobby code: L181
Habitat
FishBase records A. hoplogenys from the Amazon, Essequibo and Paraguay River basins, with reports from Suriname. PlanetCatfish places the L181 import in the Igarape Piraruaia, a tributary of the Rio Tefe in the Brazilian Amazon. It is a demersal, tropical freshwater fish.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.0
- GH: 1-10 °dGH
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
- Decor: sand, driftwood and caves in soft, acidic water
Appearance
PlanetCatfish notes that the L181 import shows a whitish-blue seam along the dorsal and tail fins when young, which fades with age, and that it has eyes set well on the sides of the head. It is described as quite shy compared with the common bristlenose.
Diet
An omnivore with a low trophic level (FishBase). As with other Ancistrus, Seriously Fish recommends a varied diet of sinking dried foods, frozen Daphnia, mosquito and chironomid larvae and prawn, supplemented with fresh vegetables and parboiled potato.
Compatibility
Seriously Fish describes the common bristlenose group as relatively peaceful but territorial toward conspecifics and similarly shaped species. As a bottom-dweller it suits soft-water community tanks with small tetras and Corydoras, while other territorial plecos are best avoided.
Breeding
Ancistrus are cave-spawners with the male guarding the eggs and fry (Seriously Fish). Males develop odontodes on the pectoral fins and opercle plus head tentacles, which females lack.
Breeding Ancistrus hoplogenys (L181)
Overview
Ancistrus hoplogenys is a bristlenose loricariid catfish that, according to Wikipedia, occurs in South America in the Amazon, Essequibo and Paraguay river basins and grows to about 15.8 cm SL. It was described by Gunther in 1864 and is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Species-specific spawning reports are limited, so the account below follows the documented breeding biology of the genus Ancistrus.
Sexing
In Ancistrus, adult males display prominent fleshy tentacles on the head, while females may possess tentacles only along the snout margin and these are smaller. Males also develop evertible cheek odontodes that are less developed or absent in females.
Breeding Setup
Ancistrus species breed in hollows, caves and mud holes in banks, so the breeding tank should provide enclosed caves as nest sites. As genus members are native to flowing-water habitats, well-oxygenated water with good movement supports spawning.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Males prepare the nesting site and court females by expanding the dorsal and caudal fins. Research cited by Wikipedia suggests the head tentacles may act as a fry mimic to attract females, allowing males without eggs in the nest to compete.
Egg & Fry Care
Females deposit 20-200 adhesive eggs, usually onto the ceiling of the cavity. The male handles all parental duties, cleaning the eggs and fanning them with his fins to maintain oxygen flow. Eggs hatch within 4-10 days and the male guards the hatchlings for a further 7-10 days.
Common Challenges
Despite a common hobby belief, Wikipedia notes there is no scientific evidence that Ancistrus feed on wood; their natural diet is algae, aufwuchs and detritus, so conditioning and rearing should centre on these foods rather than relying on wood as nutrition.