All FishesLoricariidaeHypostominaeAncistrus  |  | 

Hop to next section All Fishes Data Sheet
Scientific Name Ancistrus sp. (L120)   
Common Names L120, Starlight Bristlenose Pleco
L182, Lysplettet Antennesugemalle (Denmark)
Pronunciation an SISS truss - punk tah tuss
Etymology The name Ancistrus is derived from the Greek word agkistron, meaning hook, in reference to the interopercular odontodes that are hooked. This specific epithet refers to its small spots(punctum=small-spotted).
Hop to next section Species Information
Size 250mm or 9.8" 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.

L120/L182 is a large species with a charcoal colouration, lightly golden-white pinprick spots and a small dark marking just behind the base of the leading dorsal spine. It does not have white edges to the fins (rather a dark orange edge in juveniles' unpaired fins) and doesn't have an inky black colouration as an adult.
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 L120 was introduced in DATZ 4/1993 p212-213. It is worth noting, A. punctatus is commonly considered a junior synonym of A. hoplogenys however the latter species has long suffered from a case of mistaken identity (and is L183). The name A. punctatus is not used here but the current status of the name may benefit from research as it seems to match this widespread species.
Hop to next section Habitat Information
Distribution L120 was found in Guyana, the exact location was not disclosed.
Amazon, Upper Amazon, Marañón (click on these areas to find other species found there)

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IUCN Red List Category Not Evaluated
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 All Ancistrus species are cave-breeders, where the male looks after the eggs and young fry.
Breeding Reports There is no breeding report.
Hop to next section Further Information
Registered Keepers There is no registered keeper.
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Spotters Spotted this species somewhere? Click the binoculars!
There are 5 records of this fish being seen, view them all.
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Last Update 2022 Jan 14 13:02 (species record created: 2001 Apr 25 00:00)