Paraguay Bristlenose (L309) Care Guide
Ancistrus sp. L309 is a bristlenose pleco from the Rio Paraguay region; a peaceful, plant-safe algae-grazing loricariid for community tanks.
Overview
Ancistrus sp. L309 is an undescribed bristlenose pleco from the Rio Paraguay region, dark in colour with white spotting. Members of the genus Ancistrus are small to medium suckermouth catfishes, with most aquarium specimens staying around 8-12 cm standard length.
Taxonomy
- Family: Loricariidae
- Genus: Ancistrus
- Scientific name: Ancistrus sp. L309
- L-number: L309
Habitat
This form originates from the Rio Paraguay region of South America. PlanetCatfish notes that Rio Paraguay Ancistrus are undemanding and can be kept in ordinary tap water around pH 7.5 and roughly 15 dGH hardness.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
- Provide driftwood and caves; bristlenose actively gnaw on wood
Diet
A predominantly plant-based omnivore. Care guidance for Ancistrus recommends sinking algae or spirulina pellets as a staple, supplemented with blanched vegetables such as courgette or cucumber and occasional protein foods such as bloodworm.
Compatibility
Peaceful and plant-safe, suiting community planted tanks. Ancistrus are crepuscular and nocturnal and appreciate plenty of cover such as branched roots and caves.
Breeding
A cave-spawner. As is typical for the genus, the male guards and tends the eggs in a cave; PlanetCatfish discussions report successful captive breeding of L309.