Description:
The Longfin Super Red cross Calico Bristlenose, also known as Marbled Bristlenose cross Super Red is Ancistrus, a genus comprising nocturnal freshwater fish native to South American freshwater habitats, they are renowned in the aquarium hobby as the Bristlenose catfish. These enchanting creatures boast a delicate light brown complexion adorned with vibrant patches of orange and red hues, adding a captivating allure to their already fascinating presence, while their gracefully flowing fins enhance their overall beauty.
Mature male Bristlenose display a striking feature: the growth of prominent, bushy-like horns on their faces. This distinctive trait has earned them the affectionate nickname of "the bushy nose catfish," adding to their allure and mystique in the aquarium hobby. Females also exhibit the development of these characteristic horns, in a more refined fashion, typically around their lips rather than across the entirety of their heads like their male counterparts.
Temperament:
Known for their peaceful disposition, Calico Bristlenose catfish typically keep to themselves. However, in environments with restricted space or caves, male Bristlenose may exhibit territorial behaviour, particularly towards other males. Despite this, they generally coexist harmoniously with a wide array of fish species, although compatibility with the water parameters of potential tank mates should be considered.
Diet:
The Bristlenose pleco has proficiency in consuming algae which plays a pivotal role in maintaining optimal algae levels within aquariums. While Bristlenose catfish have a diverse diet that consist of various algae species, it's highly advisable to supplement their nutrition with algae and/or meat based wafers and fresh vegetables such as cucumber and zucchini that have been blanched for safe consumption. Furthermore, the inclusion of driftwood in aquarium setups provides them with additional sustenance, as they graze on the microflora and microfauna that thrive on its surface.
Breeding Behaviour:
Bristlenose plecos are cave spawners with fascinating breeding behaviour. A mature male will claim a cave, piece of driftwood, or other suitable hollow ornaments and clean it thoroughly before spawning. Once ready, he will defend this site against other males and potential threats.
When a female is ready to breed, she will linger around the male’s chosen cave. The male will trap the female inside the cave to ensure successful spawning, this is completely normal and nothing to worry about. The pair will spawn inside the cave, with the female laying a cluster of eggs that the male immediately fertilises. After spawning, the female is released and leaves the area, while the male takes full responsibility for the eggs.
The male stays in the cave almost constantly, fanning the eggs with his fins to keep water moving over them, which helps prevent fungal growth and keeps the eggs well-oxygenated. He will also remove any dead or infertile eggs and guard the site from other fish.
The eggs hatch within 3–5 days, depending on water temperature and other environmental factors. Once hatched, the fry remain in the cave for another 3–4 days, absorbing their yolk sacs. During this time, they do not require external food. When the yolk sacs are fully absorbed, the fry become free-swimming and will begin to leave the cave in search of food.
To encourage breeding, provide multiple suitable caves, maintain excellent water quality, and feed the adults a varied, high-quality diet to keep them in top condition. Slightly cooler water changes can mimic natural seasonal cues and help trigger spawning. It’s also best to avoid having multiple males in the same tank unless there are plenty of caves to reduce territorial disputes.
Care Guide:
- Species – Ancistrus sp. Super Red × Calico Longfin
- Common Name – Longfin Super Red Calico Bristlenose, Longfin Super Red Marbled Bristlenose
- Origin – South America
- Temperament – Peaceful
- Diet – Omnivore
- Minimum Tank Requirement – 75 litres
- Tank Level – Bottom dweller
- Care Level – Easy
- PH Range – 6.5 – 7.5
- Temperature – Tropical 26–28°C
- Breed Type – Egg layer – usually in caves
- Size – Grows to approximately 15cm
- Sex – Un-sexed
Acclimation Guide:
- Float the Bag: Place the unopened bag in your tank and let it float for 15–20 minutes. This lets the water inside the bag slowly match your tank’s temperature.
- Turn Off the Lights: Keep the aquarium lights off during this process. It helps keep things calm and prevents sudden temperature changes.
- Add a Bit of Tank Water: After floating, carefully open the bag and pour out about half the water into a sink or bucket (not into your tank). Then, slowly add small amounts of your tank water into the bag over 15–20 minutes. This helps your fish adjust to the new water conditions.
- Gently Move the Fish: Use a fish net to gently move your fish from the bag into the tank. Try not to pour the bag water into your tank — this helps keep your aquarium clean and healthy.
- Watch and Wait: It’s normal for fish to hide or act a bit shy at first. Keep an eye on them, and avoid doing a water change for the first 24 hours to give them time to settle in.
- Feeding Behaviour: New fish may not eat any food for the first 12-24 hours whilst it is settling into its new environment, please allow some time before feeding as the food may go to waste.
For more detailed steps and tips, feel free to visit our Acclimation Guide in our Education tab to help make the transition as smooth as possible for your new fish.
Longfin Super Red Calico Bristlenose Pleco
Longfin Super Red Calico Bristlenose Pleco
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