Medusa Pleco L034 Care Guide
Ancistrus ranunculus (L034) is a flat, tentacled bristlenose from the Xingu and Tocantins that needs warm, fast, oxygen-rich water and a protein-rich diet.
Overview
Ancistrus ranunculus, the medusa pleco or L034, is a flattened armoured catfish of the family Loricariidae with extensive head tentacles. Seriously Fish gives a size of 100-130 mm standard length; FishBase reports a maximum of about 19.5 cm total length. It is adapted to fast, rocky waters.
Taxonomy
- Family: Loricariidae
- Genus: Ancistrus
- Scientific name: Ancistrus ranunculus
- Order: Siluriformes
- Hobby code: L034
Habitat
Both Seriously Fish and FishBase place the species in the Xingu and Tocantins River basins of Brazil. FishBase notes it lives in clear running water without strong current to about 3 m depth in the dry season, favouring narrow cracks between submerged rocks and the undersides of flat stones.
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: rocks and caves with strong flow and high oxygenation
Diet
An omnivore. Seriously Fish notes it requires a more protein-rich diet than most Ancistrus, with sinking dried foods supplemented by live and frozen items such as bloodworm, chopped mussel and prawn.
Compatibility
Seriously Fish describes it as generally peaceful but specialised, well suited to biotope tanks alongside certain characins and rheophilic cichlids. Multiple specimens need individual refuges to reduce territorial conflict; small tetras and Corydoras are appropriate companions, while other territorial plecos are best avoided.
Breeding
Seriously Fish reports it is difficult to breed, requiring a dedicated spawning tank with caves, soft acidic water around pH 6.0-6.5, warm temperatures and high oxygenation. It is a cave-spawner in which the male guards the eggs and fry; only males develop full, bushy head tentacles.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Near Threatened, assessed 2018 (per FishBase). The species has a restricted range in the Xingu and Tocantins drainages.