L157 Red Spot Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus sp. “L157”) – Tank Bred

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The L157 Red Spot Bristlenose Pleco is a remarkable addition to any freshwater aquarium! This tank-bred pleco is highly sought after for its unique appearance, featuring vibrant red spots against a dark body, and its utility as an efficient algae eater. At 1.5 inches, these juveniles are perfect for introducing to your tank, where they will thrive and grow into their full splendor. Known for their hardy nature and peaceful temperament, theyre a fantastic choice for aquarists of all experience levels.

What We Love About This Fish:

• Unique Appearance: Vibrant red spots create a striking contrast against their dark body.

• Algae-Eating Superstars: Helps maintain a clean and healthy aquarium by grazing on algae.

• Hardy and Low Maintenance: Great for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.

• Tank-Bred Advantage: Adapted to aquarium conditions, ensuring they thrive in captivity.

Natural Habitat:

The L157 Red Spot Bristlenose Pleco originates from river systems in South America. In the wild, they inhabit slow-moving waters with ample driftwood, rocks, and submerged vegetation, where they graze on algae and biofilm.

Aquascaping:

• Plants: Java Moss, Anubias, and Amazon Swords provide shelter and a natural grazing surface.

• Hardscape: Driftwood and smooth rocks are essential, as plecos love to hide and rasp on wood for added nutrition.

• Botanicals: Add Indian Almond Leaves or alder cones for natural tannins and biofilm production.

Diet and Feeding:

The L157 Red Spot Bristlenose Pleco is an herbivore and thrives on a diet rich in plant-based foods. Offer a mix of high-quality algae wafers, blanched vegetables (such as zucchini or cucumber), and occasional treats like spirulina flakes or pellets. Supplement their diet with driftwood for rasping, as it provides essential fiber.

Tank Mates and Compatibility:

The L157 Red Spot Bristlenose Pleco is peaceful and can be housed with a variety of tank mates, including:

• Small Tetras

• Corydoras

• Livebearers

• Peaceful dwarf cichlids

Avoid housing them with large or aggressive fish that may outcompete them for food or harass them.

Breeding:

Breeding the L157 Red Spot Bristlenose Pleco is achievable in home aquariums. Provide caves or hollow structures for spawning, as males guard the eggs until they hatch. Stable water parameters and a diet rich in plant matter will encourage breeding behavior.

Recommended Tank Parameters:

• Temperature: 72 – 82F (22 – 28C)

• pH: 6.5 – 7.5

• KH: 2 – 12 dKH

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

Care Guidelines:

• Diet: Primarily herbivorous. Provide a variety of plant-based foods and driftwood.

• Social Behavior: Peaceful and compatible with a range of tank mates.

• Origin: Tank-bred, ensuring adaptability to aquarium conditions.

• Average Adult Size: 4 – 5 inches (10 – 13 cm)

• Average Purchase Size: 1.5 inches (3.8 cm)

Add a splash of red to your aquarium with the L157 Red Spot Bristlenose Pleco! These hardy, tank-bred plecos are a fantastic addition to any setup, offering beauty and utility in one peaceful package.

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