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
Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus sp.)
Description:
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Appearance:
- Size: Typically grows to about 3-5 inches (7.5-12.5 cm) in length, though some can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm).
- Color: Generally brown or gray with light spots or stripes. Some varieties are albino or have a more distinctive coloration.
- Body Shape: Compact and robust body with a broad head. Males have distinctive bristle-like appendages on their snout, which give them their name.
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Behavior:
- Activity Level: Mostly nocturnal, active during the night.
- Social Behavior: Peaceful but can be territorial. Prefers to be alone or with a few other peaceful species.
Care Requirements:
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Tank Size:
- Minimum: 20 gallons (76 liters). Larger tanks are better for stability and more space for grazing.
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Tank Setup:
- Substrate: Prefers a soft, sandy substrate or smooth gravel. Avoid sharp or rough materials that could injure their delicate undersides.
- Decorations: Provide hiding spots such as driftwood, caves, or rocks. They enjoy exploring and resting in these sheltered areas.
- Plants: Live plants can be added, and they may occasionally graze on algae on plant surfaces.
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Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C). Maintain a stable temperature within this range.
- pH: 6.5-7.5. Slightly acidic to neutral.
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water.
- Filtration: Good filtration is important, but ensure the current is not too strong. A sponge filter can be a good choice to provide gentle water movement.
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Diet:
- Primary Food: Primarily herbivorous. Feed a diet rich in vegetable matter such as algae wafers, spirulina pellets, and blanched vegetables like zucchini or cucumber.
- Supplemental Food: Occasionally supplement with protein-rich foods like bloodworms or brine shrimp.
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Behavioral Considerations:
- Compatibility: Generally peaceful and can be kept with other community fish, including small to medium-sized tankmates. Avoid keeping with overly aggressive species.
- Tank Mates: Suitable tank mates include small to medium-sized peaceful fish like tetras, rasboras, and other non-aggressive species.
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Tank Maintenance:
- Water Changes: Regular water changes (20-30% weekly) are essential to maintain water quality and prevent the buildup of waste.
- Cleaning: Keep the tank clean and monitor the filter. Regularly check for algae and clean as needed.
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Health Care:
- Observation: Watch for signs of stress, disease, or injury. Common issues include skin problems or internal parasites.
- Treatment: Maintain good water quality and promptly address any health issues with appropriate treatments. Consult an aquarium specialist if necessary.
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Additional Notes:
- Lifespan: Typically 5-10 years with proper care.
- Breeding: Bristlenose plecos are cave spawners. Males will guard the eggs and fry after spawning. Providing caves or spawning sites will encourage breeding.