Quick Stats
Scientific Name Ancistrus Sp.
Distribution South America
Size 150mm
Common Names Bristlenose catfish, Bushynose Catfish
pH 5.5-8.5
General Characteristics
A popular little catfish which is a great addition to many different tank setups. Because of the small size and hardiness it is a great fish for beginners.
Aquarium Set-up
Bristlenose aren’t too fussed about the tank set up. Because of their small size a tank as small as 10gal is suitable for these fish. They are often used in bare bottom tanks when they are used to clean up uneaten food from fry or breeding fish but will obviously appreciate a tank with substrate and hiding places. Bog wood makes a great place for them to spend their day. Even though Bristlenose are vegetarian they will not normally eat plants so they can be kept successfully in planted tanks. Bristlenose are very tolerant when it comes to tank temperatures and will be quite happy in a tank of 20-30C
Feeding
Contrary to popular belief catfish will not clean up fish waste and will not be able to survive on leftovers alone. Bog wood is an essential part of a Bristlenose diet as they use the lignin in it to help keep their digestive system healthy. Foods like shelled peas, blanched spinach, zucchini and algae wafers will all be accepted but they are receptive to most vegetables. The odd block of bloodworm or piece of shrimp will be gobbled up in no time but a diet high in protein can lead to stomach disorders so it is best to use them as treats only.
Compatibility
Bristlenose are very well behaved fish (unless they are breeding) and mix well with all sorts of fish from delicate discus to tough Central Americans to the African lakes cichlids. Males will often chase each other to defend territories but will rarely do much damage if they have sufficient room. Bristlenose will not eat fry once they are free swimming but will snack on the eggs of fish in the night if they get the chance. It is best to keep them in tanks with fish that cant fit the Bristlenose in its mouth- Bristlenose have sharp spines behind their gills which can do considerable damage if a fish attempts to eat it. Bristlenose will not mind other bottom feeders.
Breeding
Sexing is very easy and so is breeding. Males will grow ‘bristles’ on their noses once they hit around 2.5-3” while the females will have none or very little. A colony of one male and three to four females will give you your best shot at breeding. Bristlenose will happily breed in your average tank so setting up a separate tank is not often necessary.
There are many common methods used to trigger breeding, often water changes with slightly cooler water will trigger them along with feeding them foods with slightly higher protein levels than normal to condition them. The male will pick out a spot, either a cave or similar (bamboo pipes work well I’m told) and that will become his home. He will come out and display to his preferred female who may or may not be enticed to join him. If he is successful the female will join him, deposit her eggs and leave. The male will then guard his cave fiercely and will care for the young until they are free swimming. Eggs can be expected to hatch within 5-6 days and it will take another 5-7 days for them to consume their egg sack and they will then become independent. Feed the young with algae wafers, zucchini etc and make sure to remove any uneaten food after 24 hours. Clean water is paramount otherwise the fry will perish. Try to avoid moving the fry until they are around 1” or larger, young fry are very delicate and many keepers have lost entire spawns due to moving them.
Female Bristle nose
Male Bristle nose
Photo credit : Luke
