L183 Starlight Ancistrus (Ancistrus dolichopterus) Import

The L183 Starlight Ancistrus, also known as the White Seam Bristlenose Pleco, is a dazzling species of pleco renowned for its black body speckled with bright white “starlight” spots and distinctive white edging on its dorsal and caudal fins. Native to the Rio Negro basin in Brazil, this species thrives in soft, acidic waters and is a fantastic addition to aquariums designed to replicate blackwater habitats.

Natural Habitat

In the wild, the L183 Starlight Ancistrus inhabits slow-moving tributaries and blackwater streams. These environments are typically warm, tannin-rich, and low in minerals, with plenty of submerged roots, driftwood, and leaf litter providing cover and food sources.

Aquarium Care

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 75 liters for juveniles; 100+ liters for adults.
• Water Temperature: 25–30°C.
• pH Range: 5.5–7.0.
• Water Hardness: 0–6 dGH (very soft to soft water).
• Filtration: Gentle to moderate flow with excellent filtration and oxygenation to mimic their natural conditions.

Aquascaping

• Use soft sand or fine gravel as substrate.
• Include plenty of driftwood, as it is essential for grazing and provides hiding spots.
• Add live plants like Anubias, Java Fern, or Cryptocoryne, which tolerate the subdued lighting typical of blackwater setups.
• Incorporate leaf litter to mimic their natural habitat and create biofilm for grazing.
• Dim or moderate lighting is preferred to reduce stress and enhance their nocturnal activity.

Tank Mates

• Compatible with peaceful species that thrive in soft, acidic water, such as cardinal tetras, pencilfish, hatchetfish, and dwarf cichlids like Apistogramma.
• Avoid aggressive fish or species that may outcompete them for food or space.

Feeding

L183 Starlight Ancistrus are primarily herbivores but enjoy a balanced diet with occasional protein:

• Staple Foods: High-quality algae wafers or spirulina-based pellets.
• Vegetables: Blanched zucchini, cucumber, peas, or spinach.
• Occasional Protein: Frozen or live foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, or insect larvae offered sparingly.
  Feed once or twice daily, ensuring uneaten food is removed to maintain water quality.

Breeding

Breeding the L183 Starlight Ancistrus requires specific conditions and a well-prepared setup.

Sexing

• Males: Develop pronounced bristles (odontodes) on their snouts as they mature.
• Females: Typically rounder-bodied with fewer or no bristles.

Breeding Tank Setup

• Minimum size: 40 liters for a breeding pair.
• Maintain water temperature around 28°C and a pH of 6.0–6.5.
• Provide caves or tubes for spawning, as males guard the eggs inside these structures.

Spawning Process

1. The male selects a spawning site and attracts the female.
2. The female lays eggs inside the cave, which the male fertilizes.
3. The male guards and fans the eggs until they hatch, typically within 4–6 days.

Fry Care

• Once the fry are free-swimming, feed them finely crushed spirulina-based flakes, algae wafers, or blanched vegetables.
• Keep the water clean and well-oxygenated to promote healthy growth.

Key Notes

• Behavior: L183 Starlight Ancistrus are peaceful and mostly nocturnal, becoming more active at dusk.
• Maintenance: Perform regular water changes to maintain soft, acidic water conditions and prevent the accumulation of waste.
• Health: Monitor for signs of stress or disease, such as ich or fin rot, which can occur with poor water quality.

The L183 Starlight Ancistrus is a stunning, peaceful addition to blackwater aquariums. Its striking appearance, algae-eating habits, and compatibility with other soft-water species make it a favorite among aquarists dedicated to creating biotope-style setups.