All our fish, shrimp and corals are bagged with fresh oxygen as well as a heat pack in winter.
When ordering livestock please select the box size and add it to your cart for accurate overnight (1-2 days) shipping costs. A small box can take 1-2 bags and a medium box 6 bags. One bag fits max 10 small (1-3cm) fish or max 2 medium (3-5cm) fish or max 1 large (>5cm) fish.
ONE SPECIES PER BAG. Eg: One bag of 10 neon tetra.
Ancistrus Snowflake (Ancistrus sp. "Snowflake")
Description:
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Appearance:
- Body: Stocky and flattened with a robust, armored appearance.
- Color: Predominantly dark brown or black body with distinctive white or pale-colored spots that resemble a snowflake pattern, hence the name.
- Fins: Broad and somewhat spiny; males have more prominent bristles on their heads and pectoral fins.
- Size: Typically reaches about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in length.
- Features: Males have more developed odontodes (bristles) compared to females, which are used for territorial displays and mating.
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Behavior:
- Generally peaceful and nocturnal, meaning they are more active during the evening and night.
- Prefers to stay near the bottom of the tank and is often seen grazing on algae.
Care Requirements:
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Tank Size:
- Minimum of 20 gallons (76 liters) for a single fish; larger tanks are recommended if keeping more than one or for a more natural environment.
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Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C).
- pH: 6.5-7.5.
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water.
- Filtration: Efficient filtration is crucial for maintaining good water quality.
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Tank Setup:
- Aquascaping: Provide plenty of hiding spots using rocks, driftwood, and plants; they appreciate having areas to hide and explore.
- Substrate: Soft substrate like sand or fine gravel is preferred to avoid damage to their barbels.
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Diet:
- Primarily herbivorous; feed algae wafers, spirulina pellets, and blanched vegetables (such as zucchini or cucumber).
- Supplement with occasional protein-based foods like live or frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp.
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Behavioral Considerations:
- Generally peaceful; avoid keeping with other aggressive bottom-dwellers to prevent territorial disputes.
- Prefers to be kept in a tank with plenty of space and hiding spots.
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Tank Maintenance:
- Perform regular water changes (20-30% weekly) to maintain water quality.
- Monitor and adjust water parameters as needed to ensure a stable environment.
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Health Care:
- Observe for signs of stress or illness, such as changes in behavior, loss of appetite, or visible lesions.
- Quarantine new arrivals to minimize the risk of introducing diseases.