Pseudancistrus something?

[Rinaag]

I brought this little guy home (tonight) to try to ID. (-To see if he is suitable for angel's tank 29 g. Temp usually 77deg F, with pH of 7.2.)
He has some light spotting all over him (smaller more distinct dots on head than on body, relatively larger blots) as well as some whitening along the edge of his caudal fin and I believe dorsal fin, too. His fins are still very translucent since he is such a young-un (less than 5 cm). His dorsal rays number no more than 8. His profile is rather low rather than thick.
The store was not sure what he is (no sign on the tank), and there are 2 other mates that I left there.
He is a little stressed with this new space and flash pics, but he is inclined to be quite dark when more relaxed yet goes to a light green when upset.
He reminds me of this little fellow, L 299.

http://www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/im ... ge_id=7720

Here are a few pics that might help.
Thanks a bunch. I am crossing my fingers that this guy has matching parameters!
Maurina

[Dave Rinaldo]

Look at

Ancistrus cf_cirrhosus

[andywoolloo]

yes looks like a bristlenose! My fav pl*cos!! I would go get the other two also!! If they are the same. Great perfect size not scared and not hiding pl*co!!

[Rinaag]

Thanks Dave R and Andywoolloo -
It sure looks like him/her. -- I have read the CotM and shall read a more tomorrow. I guess the 'current' might be the only concern ? Do you think a strong current from my power filter and airstones might be alright?

The one I brought home was one of the two smaller ones... there is another which is noticeably larger (by a cm or so) and darker. I would prefer to get all three if there is only three in the LFS tank so that none are left there 'alone'. I read that my tank may only be large enough for two
Not too excited about the mature male nose 'tentacles' but can get used to them -- right?

Thanks again.
Maurina

[racoll]

I guess the 'current' might be the only concern ? Do you think a strong current from my power filter and airstones might be alright?

That will be fine. These are not difficult fish to look after providing they get enough vegetable food and you keep the water clean (i.e. regular weekly water changes).

I read that my tank may only be large enough for two

Three will be fine in your tank, but do make sure there are lots of hiding places for them. Several clay flower pots broken in half are perfect.

The other tankmates are angelfish, but you don't say how many. If you have lots of angelfish, that could affect your stocking capacity.

[Rinaag]

Racoll,
I just got 2nd angel (Jan 1) and plan on stopping with that. -An adult (about 2 yrs old) and a little guy (guessing about 4 months - 4 cm body diam). I just have this one main tank that has been up for about 6 years. These possible 4/5 creatures (assuming adoption of the additional LFS BNs) would be the cap. (Lifel!)
It seems like the tank (and creatures) has become a bit of therapy for me.
Thanks again!
Maurina

[Rinaag]

Ok all,
The adventure begins. I went back tonight and got the other two.
Yesterday's adoptee seems to be happy to have a friend to chase around the inlet tubing. The other one is darting around the front of the aquarium.

--Nope. --Now all three got together and communed on the front glass for about 30 seconds!
Thanks for the your help (esp Dave R, Andyw, and Racoll) -- this looks like fun.
I will try to get the pH lower over the next month as it seems a little high for all inhabitants. Would slate (for natural crevices) work against my pH lowering effort? I will place some half pots (for now), and the main tank has 2 pieces of wood, a few large rocks, large pebbles, a tall fake rock with about 6 small plants. (Do these guys prefer sand?)
Maurina

PS Shall I offer fresh veggies right away? I shall continue searching husbandry info and tips but feel free...

[andywoolloo]

mine are on sand, they seem to enjoy it. I guess it depends what type of gravel you have, do you have gravel?

What is your PH reading that you are wanting to lower it? Slate would not lower it to my knowledge. Driftwood lowers mine slightly, not much. But I don't worry too much on PH in general, only when first acclimating fish to the tank. Most fish can handle a wide range of PH as long it doesn't flucuate and they are acclimated to it slowly.

This site states BN ph can be from 5.8 - 7.2. Mine is usually 6.8 to 7 in their tank.

[racoll]

I will try to get the pH lower over the next month as it seems a little high for all inhabitants.

Rinaag, I strongly recommend you follow andywoolloo's advice and don't mess with the pH. Tank bred angelfish and bristlenoses will be perfect at 7.2. You only really need to match pH values when you keep specialised wild caught fishes.

Messing with the pH will cause more problems than its worth and potentially harm your fishes, especially if you use shop bought chemicals.

Do these guys prefer sand?

Sand or gravel is fine, but watch out when you have a deep layer of gravel. It can go poisonous very easily if it is not vacuumed frequently. All the waste and uneaten food sinks down between the gaps. The benefit of sand is that waste just sits on top and can be siphoned off.

Anyway, hope you enjoy your new bristlenoses. Remember to regularly feed them vegetables (algae wafers don't count!), and maybe one day they will have babies.

[Rinaag]

Thanks again,
Rest assured I would NEVER use chemicals or additives (because I don't know what I am doing and believe it only leads to mayhem). I read that Angels and these BN were happier is slightly acidic environments so I was hoping/aiming for 6.8 (natural rock precipitates? To be investigated - //or More Poop!).

Andyw, the pH is consistenly 7.2 again (you might remember I was concerned the tapwater of late is nearing 7.8 -- used to be 7.0! And the last few months with sick Plecie, meds and water changing the pH had gotten up to 7.6). In the old days of many fish, tetras and danios, the pH more acidic; but recent years have been 7.2.
Racoll, really glad to hear that 7.2 will be fine for both these species and I will NOT worry about changing it. The gravel in my tank is approx 4 mm is size and has a depth of 3 to 4 cm. I am open to change so let me know if I should!

They also have a lighter striping (whitish) along the area where their body meets the caudal fin!

Maurina