Fish - Ancistrus cf. cirrhosus - Bristlenose Pleco Yellow

The Ancistrus cirrhosus (Bristlenose Pleco) has a broad head and a flat body. The base species is primarily grayish-brown in color, which is the velvety finned albino variant. Males grow a dense crest on their heads and reach sexual maturity as early as 1.5 years. It is an ideal fish for beginners and a common species in the Hungarian ornamental fish trade. They are often misidentified, which is no surprise since they can hybridize with many close relatives, and it is not certain that purebred individuals are available in local markets. They are gut-breathers, which means they can absorb atmospheric oxygen through their intestinal walls, allowing them to survive in oxygen-poor waters. They tolerate less-than-ideal water quality and low filtration relatively well. They are not problematic to associate with other species, as they are not aggressive and predatory, and most fish do not bother them. It is essential to provide hiding spots, rocks, and caves in the tank where they can find adequate shelter. They may graze on the finest-leaved plants (they often consume grass plants), but they are not severe plant eaters. There should definitely be driftwood, mangrove, or ironwood in your aquarium, as if they cannot nibble on these, the fibers will not help strengthen their intestinal walls, leading to intestinal twisting and potentially death.

They primarily move in twilight, but they also regularly come out during the day. Alongside Siamese algae eaters, they are one of the best algae consumers, eagerly consuming brown and green algae, but they do not particularly like brush and filamentous algae. They can be fed practically anything and consume all leftovers, including flake and granule food remnants. Tablet feeds specifically for catfish are available, some containing bark extract, thus promoting fish health. They particularly enjoy mosquito larvae, tubifex, and live and frozen food supplements, which are essential. Still, most importantly, they should receive boiled, frozen vegetables at least once a week (e.g., zucchini, cucumber, green salad, spinach, peas, dandelion leaves, carrots). Homemade catfish mixes can also be easily prepared. They will also clean up carcasses, but regardless, do not leave these in the tank. Breeding is so simple that it can be recommended as the first breeding fish for beginners with spawning fish! Under proper care, the parents stick their yellow and large-eyed eggs in a cave, which the male guards and fans fresh water over. After they hatch and have consumed their yolk sacs, they search for food. You can also place algae-covered stones with them. Still, they will already eat fallen dry food, catfish pellets, and grow rapidly from mosquito larvae and various boiled vegetables from the beginning. The eggs are not sensitive to mold, partly due to the care they received. It may be advisable to transfer the cave or tube filled with eggs to a hatching tank since the male won't leave them and will guard them. It is one of the ideal fish for beginners to keep and breed.