L183 Starlight Ancistrus (Ancistrus Dolichopterus)
The L183 Starlight Ancistrus, also known as the White Seam Bristlenose Pleco and Goldspotted Bristlenose, is a striking fish with a dark body adorned with a pattern of small, bright white or gold spots, giving it a starry appearance. Mature males and sometimes females have soft tentacles (bushy fleshy growths) on the snout, a characteristic unique to the Ancistrus genus. The adult size of the L183 Starlight Ancistrus ranges from 4 to 6 inches, making it a suitable choice for a variety of tank sizes.
In terms of personality, the L183 Starlight Ancistrus is a peaceful and hardy fish. It is nocturnal, often hiding during the day and becoming more active at night. Despite its peaceful nature, it can be territorial with other bottom-dwelling fish, especially those of the same species.
The L183 Starlight Ancistrus is not a schooling or shoaling fish, and it is best to keep only one in a tank unless it is large enough to provide multiple territories. Ideal tank mates for this fish include peaceful species such as Tetras, Guppies, and Mollies. Keeping them with large, aggressive fish like some Cichlids or other larger Plecos is not advisable. L183 Starlight Ancistrus is a good complement to most aquariums, as they are not aggressive to other species. However, males may fight over territory if kept in too small a tank. They are appropriate with most community fish that isn't overly big or aggressive.
The L183 Starlight Ancistrus is an omnivore with a preference for algae. It will graze on the algae growth in the tank, but its diet should also be supplemented with algae wafers, fresh vegetables such as blanched squash, spinach, cucumber, zucchini, green beans, peas, and even sliced carrots, and occasional protein sources like bloodworms or brine shrimp.
The ideal habitat for an L183 Starlight Ancistrus is a well-decorated aquarium with plenty of hiding spots. They appreciate a substrate of fine sand or smooth gravel, along with driftwood for them to rasp on. Live plants, smooth rocks, and caves are also appreciated for providing cover. Resilient and rapidly growing plants such as Java fern, Java moss, Amazon sword, and wisteria make excellent decorative choices. Their robust nature ensures they remain firmly anchored in the substrate, even when the fish are rummaging for food. They can handle a wide range of water conditions but need well-oxygenated water with moderate to strong currents. The lighting should be moderate to mimic their natural habitat in the Amazon River.
In terms of water parameters, the L183 Starlight Ancistrus requires a minimum aquarium size of 30 gallons due to its adult size and activity level. A tank of at least 40 gallons for a community aquarium is recommended to provide ample space for all inhabitants. The ideal pH range for this fish is between 6.0 and 7.5. The water hardness should be within the range of 4 to 10 dGH, and a temperature of 72 to 86°F (22-30°C).
To learn more about this fish, be sure to check out the Additional Information tab.
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