All FishesLoricariidaeHypostominaeAncistrus  |  | 

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Scientific Name Ancistrus chagresi  Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1889
Common Name Bristlenose Catfish
Type Locality Río Chagres, Panama Canal Zone, Panama.
Pronunciation an SISS truss - chah gres eye
Etymology The name Ancistrus is derived from the Greek word agkistron, meaning hook, in reference to the interopercular odontodes that are hooked. Named after Rio Chagres in the type location.
Hop to next section Species Information
Size 195mm or 7.7" SL. Find near, nearer or same sized spp.
Identification Mature males and sometimes females have soft tentacles (bushy fleshy growths) on the snout - this is unique to the genus Ancistrus.

One of two species from Panama. The other, A. spinosus, has strikingly sharp keels on the sides of the body.
Sexing Typical for the genus with males possessing the so-called 'bushy nose'. Females also may have much smaller growths on the head but to a much lesser extent.
General Remarks In the wild this species can be found in a water temperature of about 25°C, pH 7.4 and in strong current.
Hop to next section Habitat Information
Distribution Central America: Panama Canal Zone, Chagres, Gatun and Chorrera basins.
Panama Caribbean Rivers, Chagres (click on these areas to find other species found there)
Panama Caribbean Rivers, Chagres, Gatun (click on these areas to find other species found there)

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IUCN Red List Category Least Concern, range map and more is available on the IUCN species page. Last assessed 2019.
pH 6.5 - 7.5
Temperature 24.0-27.0°C or 75.2-80.6°F (Show species within this range)
Hop to next section Husbandry Information
Feeding Ancistrus should be fed mainly on vegetarian foods. Prepared foods include algae wafers and spirulina based sinking food. Vegetables such as courgette/zucchini, and (English) cucumber are an excellent addition to the diet, along with the odd, small amount of more meaty foods. User data.
Compatibility A good complement to most aquariums, they are not aggressive to other species. Males may fight over territory if kept in too small a tank.
Suggested Tankmates Appropriate with most community fish that aren't overly big or aggressive.
Breeding Unreported.
Breeding Reports There is no breeding report.
Hop to next section Further Information
Reference Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences (Series 2) v. 2, pp 47.
Registered Keepers There is no registered keeper.
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There is but a single record of this fish being seen, view it.
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Last Update 2019 Oct 07 10:36 (species record created: 2005 Mar 13 00:00)