Ancistrus (Bushy-nose or bristlenose cats)

ozrockhound · Post by **ozrockhound** » 13 Nov 2005, 16:14

I need to know how long/big a bushy-nose/bristlenose cat can get. I've read that they are peaceful and need to know if they will grow large enough to live with my Oscar. I want a cat that will be safe as my Oscar grows. I would appreciate any help or suggestions. Thanks.

Post by **Silurus** » 13 Nov 2005, 16:47

As a rule, Ancistrus grow no larger than 8" SL.

ozrockhound · Post by **ozrockhound** » 13 Nov 2005, 20:53

About how fast do they grow? Will they be able to keep up with my Oscar as it grows?

ozrockhound · Post by **ozrockhound** » 13 Nov 2005, 21:05

I'm just worried that my baby Oscar will outgrow and eat my Ancistrus (bushy-nose)cat. I want to make sure that the Ancistrus grows fast enough so that he does not get eaten. I appreciate the help.

Post by **Barbie** » 13 Nov 2005, 21:05

Different species of bristlenose grow at different rates, and attain different adult sizes. Most commonly available bristlenose top out at 4" SL. Without knowing which species you're asking about, it will be difficult to guesstimate and be of much help. My gut instinct says no, as most Oscars get very territorially aggressive as they mature.

Barbie

ozrockhound · Post by **ozrockhound** » 13 Nov 2005, 21:31

Could you tell me which kind (name and everything) that I should buy to go with my Oscar. I want one that will be big, safe and happy. I really do need help. Thanks.

Post by **Barbie** » 13 Nov 2005, 23:27

How large is the tank that your Oscar will be kept in?

Barbie

ozrockhound · Post by **ozrockhound** » 14 Nov 2005, 00:11

75 gallon.

nightowl1350 · Post by **nightowl1350** » 14 Nov 2005, 15:26

I would go with a common pleco...thye do get huge and can live with oscars. BN do stay too small for large oscars.

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 14 Nov 2005, 15:58

A 75 gal tank is on the small side to keep a large , but then the Oscar will probably outgrow the 75g tank too, so I guess it doesn't matter if you're going to have MORE too large fish in there... The fish I indicated above, you should be able to get a "second hand" one from your local fish-shop, as they are often bought by unsuspecting new fish-keepers, kept in a far too small tank and eventually taken back to the shop a year or two later when it's absolutely unable to be housed in a 10, 15, 20 or 40 gal tank.

I'd say that any Ancistrus specie that is relatively easy to get hold of will be too small. A. Triradiatus is one of the larger ones, but it's very rare to find one that is more than 5-6 inches.

Is there any particular reason you'd like to make it an Ancistrus specie rather than something else?

[Edit: Fix spelling of Pterygoplichthys]

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Mats

ozrockhound · Post by **ozrockhound** » 14 Nov 2005, 23:30

I read that they are extremely peaceful cats and I just want something that will work well with my Oscar and not be eaten as my Oscar grows. I would love for someone to tell me which cat would be the best with my Oscar (one that they could grow together and live long happy lives). I just need some suggestions/answers, etc. Please help.

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 14 Nov 2005, 23:52

Yes, ancistrus is peaceful, but the problem is that the commonly available ones don't grow large enough to not become a snack after some time. Oscar's aren't exactly slow-growing either, so you'd need to find one that is more or less grown up, aside from the fact that there aren't many species to choose from [I can't think of a single one that is imported/bred with some regularity, that reaches more than 4-5", and that will be far too small.]

I think my suggestion of a Pterogoplichthys pardalis/gibbiceps above is a good one for Oscar's, as the pleco and Oscar both grow LARGE. As just about any pleco, they are peacefull as long as there isn't another one of the same specie trying to come into their territory..

So, did I miss something here, or is there some particular reason why a "Common pleco" won't do for you? They should be easy enough to find as a "return", and you'd do both the shop and yourself a favour by getting a large specimen that has been returned from some too small tank.

My only concern with this suggestion is that it will grow quite big, and the Oscar will grow to a good 13" long, so both would really be better off in a BIGGER tank. A 120g or better yet 180g or so would be suitable for both. But if you're going to keep your Oscars in a 75g eternally, I don't see why you can't keep a large pleco in the same tank, it won't make much difference.... You'll need good filtration tho'.

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Mats

ozrockhound · Post by **ozrockhound** » 14 Nov 2005, 23:56

I don't suppose that there is a reason for me to not get a pleco. I just have not researched them enough. Are they peaceful? Will my Ocar get along with it. My Oscar is a baby. Only 1 1/2" at this time. How big/long do plecos get? I want to apologize for asking so many questions but I want to make a smart decision. Thanks for your help and patience.

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 15 Nov 2005, 00:07

Sorry, I didn't realize I'd misspelled the Pterygoplichthys in the link above, just click on the bold italic link in the post above...

As a summary, no it's not going to harm your Oscar as long as it's getting regular feeds of mostly vegetables and some protein, perhaps Hikara Algae wafers or some such [yes, it says algae wafer, but it's 35% protein].

You could buy a small one [given good food, they grow quite quickly], but I'd say that it's OK to keep a big one with small fish, they aren't predators, and you don't need to worry about the Oscar passing it in the growth-race.

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Mats

ozrockhound · Post by **ozrockhound** » 15 Nov 2005, 00:42

Thank you so much. I'm definitely going to get a Pterygoplichthys Pardalis (once I've completed my research and bought the necessary stuff). They are perfect.
You really helped me.