Claro Bristlenose

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Scientific Name

Ancistrus claro

Min. Tank Size

40 gallons

Personality

Peaceful/Territorial to it's own kind

Temperature

72-77°F

pH

6.5-7.5/0-15°dGH

Size

4.5"

Diet

Omnivore

Breeding

Egglayer

Compatibility

Characins, South American Cichlids, Corydoras and other small Catfish.

Claro Bristlenose

Also known as the Gold Marbel Bristlenose or the Reticulated Bristlenose, the Claro Bristlenose is named for the Rio Claro – one of the rivers in which it is found. These fish are endemic to the Rio Cuiaba basin in Brazil where they tend to inhabit flowing bodies of water with rocky substrate. Claro Bristlenose have a base coloration of dark brown with a white abdomen. These fish are covered in an irregular, reticlated pattern of pale markings which give it a marbled appearance. Banding on the dorsal and caudal fins is irregular and the snout tentacles in males of the species may exhibit pale spots.

Tank Set-Up

In the wild, Claro Bristlenose live and hide amongst the rocks in flowing streams and, thus, prefer a home aquarium decorated with gravel substrate and larger, rounded stones. These fish require highly oxygenated water and enjoy some degree of current running through the aquarium to simulate the flow of their native environment. This species of Catfish tends to be peaceful in nature and can be kept with a variety of fishes in a community set-up. Because males of the species tend to be territorial toward conspecifics, however, these fish should not be kept with fish that are similar in appearance. If you must keep several together choose a larger, longer tank and provide plenty of hiding spots and areas for the males to carve out their own territory.

Feeding

Claro Bristlenose are largely herbivorous in nature, feeding primarily on vegetable matter. In the home aquarium, these fish should be offered plenty of fresh vegetables such as blanched spinach, shelled peas and fresh cucumber. This diet can be supplemented with Spirulina flakes or wafers in addition to small live and frozen foods like bloodworms and Daphnia.

Breeding

Breeding mature Claro Bristlenose is said to be relatively easy and these fish will sometimes spawn on their own in the community tank. In order to encourage spawning, adult fish should be conditioned with algae wafers and fresh vegetables as well as live or frozen foods. Performing a large, cool water change to simulate the rainy season in their natural habitat may also help to encourage spawning.