Blue Eye Lemon Bristlenose Pleco

L-Number: L144
Common Name: Blue Eye Lemon Bristlenose Pleco
Scientific Name: Ancistrus sp.
Genus: Ancistrus
Wild Origin: South America
Average Shipped Size:  1-1.5in
Adult Size: 4-5in

**Note:  All livestock orders will come carefully packaged with solid wall Styrofoam insulation and shipped via 1-day shipping only. No extra insulation needs to be added to your cart for your livestock.

The Blue Eye Lemon Bristlenose Pleco is immediately distinguishable in the hobby, with its bright yellow body and blue eyes. Sub-adult Bristlenose plecos develop multiple bristle-like appendages on their facial region. These appendages grow on both males and females, but males tend to have more pronounced and lengthier growth.

This species is generally peaceful and tolerant of a range of water parameters. Compared to the monstrous growth potential of the Common Pleco, its smaller size makes it suitable for mid-sized community aquariums and it grows to a max size of 4-5 inches. Male plecos can be slightly territorial with other males, but issues can be resolved by providing plenty of hiding places for each male to mark as his own. The Blue Eye Lemon Bristlenose pleco generally does not bother other tankmates, but it may prey on dwarf shrimp from time to time.

Key Features & Important Notes

• Tank raised specimen
• Unsexed juveniles
• Bright, bold colors
• To increase survival rates, please allow 2-3 business days after an order is placed to properly prepare live animal shipments.

Recommended Water Parameters
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. We encourage you to do thorough research before committing to keeping any livestock.

• Temperature Range: 72-80 F
• pH: 6.5-7.5
• KH: 6-10

Recommended Tank Size
30 gallons. Tank size is relative and various factors should be considered when determining tank size. Factors include maintenance schedules, tank mates, desired colony size, and more.

Diet
Requires a mainly plant matter-based diet. While not a heavy wood-feeder, it benefits from supplemental wood grazing. Feed high-quality vegetable flakes and sinking algae wafers, as well as fresh vegetables like shelled peas, spinach, zucchini, and cucumber.

Breeding
Juvenile Blue Eye Lemon Bristlenose Plecos are impossible to differentiate by sex, but as they mature, distinct gender characteristics emerge. Males develop prominent odontodes on their pectoral fins and heads, as well as long and pronounced whisker growth. Females have smaller, less noticeable whisker growth. Females display rounder body shapes, while males possess broader, shorter heads. Full maturity might take up to 2 years, so patience is necessary if you're looking to form breeding pairs from a group.

To prepare for breeding, ensure the adult breeders are well-conditioned with a diet of live and frozen foods beforehand. The simplest breeding method involves isolating a pair in a dedicated tank filled with ample caves. Pipes or plant pots make great make-shift "caves". Cave entrances should be slightly larger than the fish so the female has enough room to lay her eggs. Maintain well-oxygenated water and keep the pH under 6.5. The spawning of the fish is induced by factors such as low air pressure and water changes.

The male picks a preferred spawning site and actively defends it. He entices the female to the site, though egg-laying might occur days later. Post-spawn, the female plays no further role and is chased away by the male. He handles parenting duties, safeguarding, and fanning the eggs with his fins. Once hatched, fry feed off their yolk sacs initially. Once consumed, provide newly hatched fry with algae wafers, baby brine shrimp, micro-worms, or crushed flakes.