Blue Eyed Lemon Longfin (Ancistrus cf. cirrhosus) Bred in SA

The Blue Eyed Lemon Longfin Bristlenose Pleco is a stunning and unique freshwater fish, highly prized for its pale yellow coloration, long flowing fins, and striking blue eyes. This variant of the Bristlenose Pleco is a peaceful, hardy species that thrives in well-maintained aquariums, making it a favorite among aquarists. Native to South America, these fish are excellent algae eaters, contributing to a clean and balanced ecosystem.

Natural Habitat

In the wild, Ancistrus species inhabit the slow-moving rivers and streams of South America. These waters are often filled with submerged wood, rocks, and dense vegetation, providing plenty of hiding spots and grazing areas.

Aquarium Care

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 75 liters for juveniles; 100+ liters for adults.
• Water Temperature: 22–28°C.
• pH Range: 6.5–7.8.
• Water Hardness: 2–12 dGH (soft to moderately hard water).
• Filtration: Moderate to strong filtration with good oxygenation.

Aquascaping

• Use soft sand or fine gravel as substrate.
• Include plenty of hiding spots with driftwood, caves, and rocks. Bristlenose Plecos often graze on biofilm and algae that grow on these surfaces.
• Add live plants such as Anubias, Java Fern, or Amazon Swords for natural cover.
• Maintain moderate lighting; too much light may stress the fish and over-stimulate algae growth.

Tank Mates

• Suitable tank mates include peaceful community fish such as tetras, rasboras, corydoras, and guppies.
• Avoid aggressive or territorial species that may outcompete or harass them.

Feeding

Blue Eyed Lemon Longfin Bristlenose Plecos are omnivorous but primarily consume plant matter:

• Staple Foods: Algae wafers, spirulina-based pellets, or sinking vegetable-based tablets.
• Vegetables: Blanched zucchini, cucumber, spinach, or sweet potato slices.
• Occasional Protein: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, or other protein sources should be offered sparingly.
  Feed once or twice daily, removing uneaten food to prevent water quality issues.

Breeding

Breeding these Plecos is relatively straightforward in a well-maintained aquarium.

Sexing

• Males: Develop prominent bristles (tentacles) on their snouts as they mature.
• Females: Have fewer or no bristles and a rounder body shape.

Breeding Setup

• Provide a cave or hollow structure as a spawning site.
• Maintain a stable temperature of 26–28°C and slightly softer water to encourage spawning.

Breeding Process

1. The male selects and prepares a cave, where the female will lay her eggs.
2. After spawning, the male guards the eggs and fans them to ensure oxygenation.
3. Eggs hatch in 4–7 days, and fry become free-swimming within another 5–7 days.

Fry Care

• Feed fry freshly hatched brine shrimp, infusoria, or finely crushed spirulina-based flakes.
• Provide plenty of biofilm-covered surfaces for natural grazing as they grow.

Key Notes

• Behavior: Peaceful and active during twilight hours, though they may occasionally be seen grazing during the day.
• Maintenance: Perform regular water changes to maintain water quality, as they produce significant waste.
• Health: Monitor for common diseases such as ich or fin rot, which can occur with poor water quality.

The Blue Eyed Lemon Longfin Bristlenose Pleco is an excellent addition to community aquariums, combining beauty with functionality. Their vibrant appearance, peaceful nature, and algae-eating habits make them a favorite among aquarists, from beginners to experts.