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How to look after
Ancistrus temmincki
Temmincks bristlenose, Bristlenose catfish
(Valenciennes, 1840)

Ancistrus temmincki - Temmincks bristlenose, Bristlenose catfish - Ancistrus temmincki, or Temmincks bristlenose - males sport a bristly nose
Ancistrus temmincki, or Temmincks bristlenose - males sport a bristly nose
more images here

(Other members of the genus Ancistrus)

ADULT SIZE: 5 cm

WATER CONDITIONS: Not critical

TEMPERATURE RANGE: 24-28 C

FOOD: Feed Ancistrus temmincki live and dried foods

DISTRIBUTION: This species comes from French Guiana, Surinam

SEXUAL DIFFERENCES: Both males and females show some facial bristling, but this is certainly more pronounced in male fish.

AQUARIUM CARE: A small catfish inhabiting many waters in South America. Tanks should be decorated as such with plants and wood. They will clean up algae in the tank but it is important to also include a vegetable component in the diet, such as cucumber, blanched peas etc. Males have distict bristling on the nose - this is far less pronounced in the female

These small catfish make great companions to many other species; they are peaceful, don't grow too large and tolerant a wide range of conditions. An ideal community tank species. Make sure to include some bogwood under which to hide, and rasp upon also.

BREEDING: Breeding is not difficult with the right tank set-up. A well-fed pair will often breed in a community tank. Males select a spawning site, on bogwood or in an upturned flower pot, where eggs will be laid. He will continue to guard/fan the eggs until hatching, and for the first week or so afterwards.

Have you bred Ancistrus temmincki? Why not fill in a breeding questionaire?, or examine existing Ancistrus temmincki breeding reports

Similar species to Ancistrus temmincki

Other members of the genus Ancistrus

Other catfish species

Other species from French Guiana, Surinam

Ancistrus temmincki
Temmincks bristlenose, Bristlenose catfish

Ancistrus temmincki, or Temmincks bristlenose - males sport a bristly nose

Ancistrus temmincki, or Temmincks bristlenose - males sport a bristly nose

This young males bristles will get longer than this

This young males bristles will get longer than this

Like most catfish, Ancistrus temmincki feeds by rasping a substrate: bogwood stone, or just the aquarium glass

Like most catfish, Ancistrus temmincki feeds by rasping a substrate: bogwood stone, or just the aquarium glass


Ancistrus temmincki
Temmincks bristlenose, Bristlenose catfish
breeding notes

BREEDING: Breeding is not difficult with the right tank set-up. A well-fed pair will often breed in a community tank. Males select a spawning site, on bogwood or in an upturned flower pot, where eggs will be laid. He will continue to guard/fan the eggs until hatching, and for the first week or so afterwards.

Have you bred Ancistrus temmincki? Why not fill in a breeding questionaire?


This page summarises breeding reports provided by visitors to this site, along with some statistical analysis. Please feel free to contribute - whatever your experience!

2 breeders have filled in breeding reports, a summary of the results are shown in the graphs below. You can read the full reports here.

To add details of your experiences of Ancistrus temmincki, why not fill in a Breeding and maintenance Report.

Would Ancistrus temmincki be a good addition to a community tank?
graph1
  1. Never
  2. Doubtful, only with VERY calm fish
  3. Only with species of similar size
  4. Yes, a good community fish

How would you describe the disposition of Ancistrus temmincki?
graph2
  1. Very timid
  2. Slightly timid
  3. Neutral
  4. Somewhat aggresive on occasions
  5. Very aggressive

In which water conditions do you keep these fish?
graph3
  1. Very soft and acidic
  2. Moderately soft and acidic
  3. Neutral
  4. Moderately hard and alkaline
  5. Very hard and alkaline

At what average temperature?
graph4
  1. 10-15°C
  2. 16-19°C
  3. 20-23°C
  4. 24-27°C
  5. 28°C+

How would you describe sex ratios when breeding Ancistrus temmincki? If you are unsure please leave this question unanswered.
graph6
  1. Almost all males
  2. Somewhat male heavy
  3. Roughly equal
  4. Somewhat female heavy
  5. Almost all females

In general, how difficult is Ancistrus temmincki to keep and breed?
graph7
  1. Very easy
  2. Easy
  3. Average
  4. Difficult
  5. Very difficult

How sucessful have you been at breeding Ancistrus temmincki?
graph8
  1. Very unsucessful
  2. Fairly unsucessful
  3. Average
  4. Fairly sucessful
  5. Very sucessful


Remember, each record represents only one persons experience; if you had different results, or used different methods, please share your experiences


Water conditions: Neutral Water temperature: 28oC+
Disposition: Active, but not aggresive Community tank?: Yes, a good community fish
Spawning Method: Other (see below)Breeding problems: none
Sex ratio: Roughly equalBreeding difficulty:
Sucess: Years Experience: 1
Other Comments: I didnt realise they were bredding until we saw a tiny baby in the tank. The female is much smaller than the male and much darker in colour. we have not done anything in our tank to promote breeding and it was all down to the fish and the tank- the levels are not monitiered, they must be happy as it is though. I just have to keep the shark at bay.
Date this record created: 30th October 2010Breeding date: 2010
Breeder: LauraLocation: Kent UK

Water conditions: Neutral Water temperature: 24-27oC
Disposition: Active, but not aggresive Community tank?: Yes, a good community fish
Spawning Method: Other (see below)Breeding problems: none
Sex ratio: Roughly equalBreeding difficulty: Very easy
Sucess: Very sucessfulYears Experience: 1
Other Comments: i was given tese fish by a freind i have never kept fish befor i am still confused wether it is the male or female that gives birth i have had these fish around 6 months and they have had 2 sets of young in that time the male disapears for around a week befor the young appear the male and femail dont associate with eachother when the young appear there was 17 young in the first set although only 6 survived the second set are only just starting to appear i have only seen 2 of these at present
Date this record created: 21st October 2010Breeding date: 2010
Breeder: billy denwoodLocation: cumbria

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