Grosvenor Tropicals

Grosvenor Tropicals fully supports the OATA's policy on the humane treatment of livestock offered for sale. We reserve the right to refuse any sale where we believe that the customer is unable to provide a suitable environment for care of that species. It is also our policy NOT to supply Goldfish to Stallholders, Traders or Organisations seeking to offer them for sale or as prizes at Fairs or Fetes etc.

Ancistrus Species

Also known as the Bristlenose Catfish there are over 50 species of Ancistrus , some of which are difficult to distinguish from each other so I will highlight the generalities of this family.

Unlike the Plecostomus or Gibbiceps they do not grow too large, typically no bigger then 4" - 5"and generally hardy. They are also busy algae eaters, without some the Lazy tendencies' of their bigger cousins. They are usually peaceful, but can sometimes be territorial towards other bristlenoses', so provide them with plenty of bogwood to rest on if you have several.

Their algae diet should be supplemented with algae wafers, sinking pellets, green foods like lettuce and cucumber, etc. They will also consume most other foods missed by midwater dwelling fish.

Sexing is fairly easy as Males have the 'bristles' on their heads, which gives this genus its common name. Breeding is also easy and many pairs will often spawn in the community tank with any owner intervention. After spawning the male will guard the eggs until hatching.

Coming from fast flowing tributaries of the Amazon river, ancistrus species prefer well oxygenated water with some currents and are an ideal algae eater for the small to medium sized community tank. It is thought that the fish may use the bogwood in their diet, like fibre, by rasping at the wood, so always provide a piece of bogwood in the tank.