The article in brief
Ancistrus dolichopterus, an exciting little fish native to South America, is an excellent aquarium cleaner. Here are the key points to remember:
- Natural habitat warm, slightly acidic waters of the Amazonian basin
- Appearance Elongated, flattened body, sucker mouth, males with excrescences on the snout
- Maintenance Temperature 23-28°C, pH 6-7.5, varied diet including seaweed, vegetables and specific tablets
- Special features Efficient cleaner, nocturnal behaviour, relatively easy to reproduce in captivity
Ah, theAncistrus dolichopterus ! This captivating little fish has always held a special place in my heart as a passionate aquarist. Let me tell you everything I know about this captivating species, based on my years of experience as a pet shop floor manager. You'll see, these little aquarium cleaners have a lot more to offer than you might think!
Origins and characteristics of Ancistrus dolichopterus
The Ancistrus dolichopterus, also known as the brushfish, is a real jewel of South American freshwater. Native to the Amazon basin and the Rio Negro, this little fish has made a name for itself in our aquariums. Let me tell you more about this exciting moustache cleaner!
An inhabitant of the Amazon basin
Imagine yourself immersed in the warm, slightly acidic waters of the Amazon basin. That's where our friend the Ancistrus dolichopterus has made his home. These fish love to hide among roots and plant debris, creating their own little aquatic paradise. I still remember my first dive in the Amazon, and what a thrill it was to see them in their natural habitat!
Appearance and size
L'Ancistrus dolichopterus is a fish with an elongated, flattened body, perfectly suited to sticking to surfaces. Its sucker-like mouth allows it to feed on algae and debris. Adult males proudly display growths on their snouts, giving them the look of a wise old moustache! As for their size, these little fellows can reach between 10 and 15 cm in adulthood, with exceptional specimens reaching up to 20 cm. To find out more about their growth, take a look at our article on the adult size of Ancistrus.
Longevity and behaviour
With proper care, these little cleaners can live up to 8-10 years in an aquarium. They are known for their peaceful, sociable temperament, which makes them ideal roommates for many species of fish. However, beware of territorial disputes between males, as they can sometimes play rough!
Maintenance of Ancistrus dolichopterus in the aquarium
Keeping an Ancistrus dolichopterus healthy isn't rocket science, but there are a few essential points to bear in mind. Let me share with you my tips for creating an ideal environment for these adorable brushfish.
Water parameters and development
So that your Ancistrus feels like a fish in water (no pun intended!), here are the ideal conditions:
- Temperature: between 23 and 28°C
- pH: 6 to 7.5
- Hardness: 2 to 15°GH
Don't forget that these fish love to hide! Offer them hiding places like roots, caves and, above all, wood to gnaw on. Here's a little tip from a pro: I like to add Indian almond leaves to my tanks. It's a perfect reproduction of their natural habitat and it makes them crazy with joy!
A varied diet
Although mainly herbivorous, Ancistrus dolichopterus enjoy a varied diet. Here is a small table summarising their ideal menu:
| Type of food | Frequency | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Natural seaweed | Daily | Algae in the aquarium |
| Boiled vegetables | 2-3 times a week | Courgette, spinach, cucumber |
| Specific tablets | 3-4 times a week | Lozenges for loricariids |
For a more in-depth look at the subject of diet, I highly recommend our complete guide on food for Ancistrus. You'll find all my advice for a balanced and tasty diet!
Aquarium reproduction
Reproduction of the Ancistrus dolichopterus is relatively easy in captivity, given the right conditions. The male chooses a cavity, cleans it meticulously and then invites the female to lay her eggs. Once the eggs have been laid, the male is responsible for protecting and ventilating them. I've been lucky enough to witness this spectacle several times, and believe me, it's very interesting!
The special features that make Ancistrus dolichopterus so attractive
Over the years I've spent living alongside these adorable brushfish, I've discovered some of the characteristics that make them truly unique. Let me tell you about them - you'll be surprised!
An unrivalled cleaner
The Ancistrus dolichopterus is a real champion when it comes to cleaning your aquarium. Thanks to its suction-cup mouth, it spends its days nibbling away at the algae that develops on glass, plants and decorations. It's a bit like having a little ecological cleaning robot in your tank! However, don't rely solely on it to keep your aquarium clean - it needs a helping hand from time to time.
A nocturnal fish
If you're wondering where your Ancistrus has gone during the day, don't worry! These clever little creatures are more active at night. While you're asleep, they'll be exploring the aquarium, looking for food. It's interesting to observe them with a small torch - they look like real aquatic ninjas!
The albino variety: a unique look
Did you know that there is an albino variety of Ancistrus dolichopterus? Called 'Gold', this red-eyed variant is particularly appreciated by aquarists for its original appearance. I had one in my personal aquarium for years, and I can tell you that it did not go unnoticed!
Finally, the Ancistrus dolichopterus is much more than just an aquarium cleaner. It's an exciting fish, with its own unique personality and specific needs. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned aquarist, I'm sure you'll fall in love with these little whiskered fish. Don't hesitate to adopt a group of them, they'll bring life and dynamism to your aquarium while keeping it clean. And who knows, maybe you'll be lucky enough to witness their reproduction - a truly magical sight!
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