What is and Ancistrus pleco?
Ancistrus is a genus of nocturnal freshwater fish in the family Loricariidae of order Siluriformes, native to freshwater habitats in South America and Panama. Fish of this genus are common in the aquarium trade where they are known as bushynose or bristlenose catfish. In the aquarium hobby they are often referred to as bushynose or bristlenose plecos instead, but this may lead to confusion as "pleco" usually is used for Hypostomus plecostomus and its allies and is often used as a catchall term for any loricariid remotely resembling that species.
L034 | Ancistrus Ranunculus Medusa Pleco
A unique, oddly-shaped Loricariid, the L034 Medusa Pleco is distinguished by its flattened body and prominent fleshy tentacles surrounding the nose which gives them their common name. This pleco is found in the clear, fast-moving waters of the Xingu in Brazil where it inhabits rocky shallows.In the aquarium, they prefer clean, well-oxygenated water and ample hiding places in the form of rocks, driftwood, or caves. Although both males and females have extensive bristles on the nose, mature males are easy to distinguish as the bristles grow to a huge size. An omnivore by nature, they will readily accept veggies, sinking prepared foods like Fluval Bug Bites Pleco formula, or Repashy Gel Diet.
Species Profile
Origin: Wild Brazil
Locale: Rio Xingu
Diet: Omnivore and scavenger – should be fed both vegetable-based and protein-rich feeds in the aquarium
Adult Size: 6-7″
Compatibility: Generally peaceful, but can be territorial towards other plecos. Should be offered plenty of caves and other hiding places.
Preferred Water Parameters
p.H: 6.5 – 7.5
Temp: 78-84F
Ammonia: 0ppm
Nitrite: 0ppm
Nitrate: <30ppm
Sex difference | Male Vs Female
Sexing of Ancistrus ranunculus "L34" is in most cases not so difficult.If you compare male and female from the side, there are already numerous differences to spot. Even though the general body shape might be the same with both sexes, several body parts are really typical for each sex.
Male
Female
From top also the amount and length of the tentacles are good visible. Females show a rounder head profile, males show a more pointy head.
Male
Female
From the bottom up we can say two things. Atypical for plecos the male shows a bigger, rounder papilla. With closer inspection, again yellow dots can be seen around the females papilla. This is mostly only difficult to see with the bare eyes. Close-up photographs highlight those dots better.
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