All Fishes ⇒ Loricariidae ⇒ Hypostominae ⇒ The genus Ancistrus

Hop to next section Summary of ancistrus
Pronounced an SISS truss
Etymology The name Ancistrus is derived from the Greek word agkistron, meaning hook, in reference to the interopercular odontodes that are hooked.
Identification Mature males and sometimes females have soft tentacles (bushy fleshy growths) on the snout - this is unique to the genus Ancistrus.
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.
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.
Tankmates Appropriate with most community fish that aren't overly big or aggressive.
Sexing Males develop soft tentacles on the head and while sometimes females also do, it is never to the grand extent of those found on that of the conspecific male.
Breeding All Ancistrus species are cave-breeders, where the male looks after the eggs and young fry.
Size Smallest 48mm, largest 250mm, average 109mm, most commonly 100mm. All SL.
Species There are 187 "species" in the database
Keepers 1 species (0.5%) are being kept by registered keepers
New spp. / time
1750 1770 1790 1810 1830 1850 1870 1890 1910 1930 1950 1970 1990 2010 
Distribution

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Hop to next section Most Kept Species
1.
Ancistrus sp. (L349)Ancistrus sp. (L349)
(100%)
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