Bristlenose Catfish

Latin name: Ancistrus temmincki

Common Name: Bristlenose Catfish

Habitat: South America

Sex: Males can be easily distinguished from the females, by inspection of the "nose". The males have a growth of tentacles (or bristles giving them their common name) on the snout and forehead literally forming a multi-branched forest, while the females will have a short row of bristles at best if any at all.

Size: Up to 5 inches (12.5 cm)

Temperature: 21° - 26°C (70° - 79°F)

Water Chemistry: Slightly acidic to alkaline, soft to hard although this is not vital. These fish are very hardy and adaptable.

Food: Bristlenose are predominantly an algae eater, rasping naturally growing algae from rocks, glass, leaves, virtually any firm surface.

Difficulty: 1 Star (Very Easy)

Notes: One of the best algae eaters of the aquarium world, being peaceful to all fish but occasionally being territorial with other Bristlenose, especially in small aquaria.

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