Peppermint Catfish:peppermint Plecos!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

labrakitty · Post by **labrakitty** » 01 Feb 2005, 22:14

I have decided ot get a peppermint catfish for my 126 litre tank. I don't know anything about them. I think it is the Parancistrus spp. Tehy are black with white spots and white edgeing on their dorsal and caudal(tail) fin. Tell me evrythning I need to know about them!

Yann · Post by **Yann** » 02 Feb 2005, 20:15

Hi!

It depends as quite a few fish are sold under that name...
it can ba a Parancistrus... can also be something else!

If you had a pic that would help!

Parancistrus are usually growing to at least 25cm, the are omnivore, eating both vegetarian food, commercially prepared food and iinsect larvae...

Otherwise behave like most Hypostominae...

Cheers
Yann

pturley · Post by **pturley** » 02 Feb 2005, 21:15

I believe in OZ the common name Peppermint Pleco refers to Ancistrus dolichopterus. While here in the States and in the U.K. L-030 is the most common recipient of that name.

Do either of these fish fit the bill?

labrakitty · Post by **labrakitty** » 03 Feb 2005, 06:58

Yes it is the ancistrus type.

pturley · Post by **pturley** » 03 Feb 2005, 12:26

You should start HERE and post any questions you may have.

Also, read Don Danko's article on breeding the Albino Ancistrus. Also in the Shane's world section of this site.

labrakitty · Post by **labrakitty** » 03 Feb 2005, 20:48

I read them both. I have 2 bristle nose at the moment so I know about them. Are the Peppermints the same care as them? the water is going to be Ph:6.4 and GH:6 KH:2-3 will this be ok for them? I am going to have tetras and I want the tank soft and acidic.

pturley · Post by **pturley** » 03 Feb 2005, 20:58

They seem quite a bit more particular about the water chemistry.
Soft, slighly acidic, well-oxygenated and free of nitrogenous wastes should be considered the rule with these fish. Whereas a "common" tank-bred Ancistrus spp.? tend to be more durable.

Other than that, they are pretty much the same.