Synonyms: None

Type Locality: Brazil, Mato Grosso, Rio Claro, above the bridge, in the direction of Chappada dos Guimaraes.

Size: 70mm SL

Identification: Mature males and sometimes females have soft tentacles (bushy fleshy growths) on the snout - this is unique to the genus Ancistrus. The base colouration is brown with a whitish abdomen region. The markings are beige to yellowish white, and are a completely irregular reticulated pattern. Snout tentacles of males have a pattern of light-coloured spots. The dorsal and caudal fins have irregular bands. Overall, this species is rather easy to ID because of its small adult size and quite unusual pattern. Still, it can be confused with young specimens of common Ancistrus unless the mouth shape is examined as it is different, in A. claro it is more oval shape than rounded

General Remarks: Mainly active during the day (at least in its natural habitat).

Feeding: Not a picky eater, will eat about anything, from vegetables to bloodworms. A vegetable diet is preferable and animal proteins can be given once or twice a week but should not make up the main diet.

Furniture: Its natural habitat consists of fast flowing waters over a rocky bottom. Likes also to stay in quiet zones of these same river rapids. Safe will robust plants.

Compatibility: It is not a territorial fish. Can be housed with several of its own kind or other loricariids without a problem.

Tankmates: Riverine species are ideal as they will share enjoyment in a current.

Registered Keepers: None. Add this species to your "my fish" page.

Sexing: Males have branched tentacles on the snout, females can occasionally have 2-3 very little tentacles, but most don't have any. Mature females have a darker base colouration. The vermiform lines are found predominantly on males.

Both sexes grow to about the same size.

Breeding: Typical Ancistrus manner. Males stay in caves and guard the brood. Females lay about 20 to 35 eggs.

Eggs hatch after 5-7 days. After about 2 weeks the yolk sac is totally absorbed and the young start to eat. Fry are raised like other members of the genus.

Breeding Reports: None.

See also the Ancistrus claro page on PlanetCatfish.com.

Last Update: 2007-10-30 17:52:13 (species record created: 2001-04-21 00:00:00)