{"product_id":"ancistrus-damasceni","title":"Ancistrus damasceni","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRemarks:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eAncistrus damasceni\u003c\/i\u003e are one of the many species of \u003ci\u003eLoricariid\u003c\/i\u003e commonly referred to as bushynose plecos. Their coloration changes based on mood, ranging from an orange-tinged tan to chocolate brown with spots and striations varying in levels of visibility. While they are common in their native range encompassing the Upper Parnaíba River basin in Brazil, they are uncommon within the hobby with little recorded about their care. It is presumed their care is typical of that of most \u003ci\u003eAncistrus\u003c\/i\u003e with them proving to be fairly hardy and undemanding. While bushynose plecos are generally on the smaller side for a pleco, \u003ci\u003eA. damasceni\u003c\/i\u003e are especially small and almost never exceed 3” in length making them a great choice for smaller aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eThe terms “bushynose” or “bristlenose” often used in reference to \u003ci\u003eLoricariids\u003c\/i\u003e belonging to the \u003ci\u003eAncistrus \u003c\/i\u003egenus is derived from the long and elaborate tentacles that develop on the faces of males. The bigger the \"beard\" as some call it, the more dominant the male. Females will occasionally develop bristles as well along the edges of their face making it difficult to differentiate young males from females. These bristles are tempting for nippy and aggressive fish so this combined with bushynose plecos not having much armor compared to other species is why they should not be housed with nippy or aggressive fish. The pleco itself can pose a danger in the case of fish trying to swallow them as they have spines on their fins that they will flare out if being attacked to prevent the fish from eating them. This can result in the fish choking and the loss of both it and the pleco if the pleco remains stuck in the mouth of the fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e  Bushynose plecos do not grow very large and are mostly peaceful so they can fit in well in smaller aquariums. Typically, the only aggression shown tends to be among males fighting over spawning caves. They can be kept with shrimp if the population has been given plenty of time to grow and begin reproducing regularly as the bushynose pleco will prey on them occasionally. While they are omnivores, they prefer to have a diet consisting mostly of vegetable matter and will voraciously feed on algae. Their appetite for algae does not diminish as they grow like in the case of common plecos making them an excellent addition to the cleanup crew in a tank. Typically, plants will not be eaten unless the pleco is starving or the plant is already dying.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e  Breeding bushynose plecos can be very easy so long as all their needs are attended to and spawning sites are provided. Bushynose plecos are cave spawners where males will choose a small cave where he will chase females into to spawn. Once the female has laid eggs, it will be left up to the male to guard the cave and keep the eggs clean as the female leaves. They fan the eggs with their fins to keep fresh water flowing over them to help prevent them from fungusing and ensuring they get plenty of oxygen. Once the eggs hatch, the male will keep the fry inside the cave until they have absorbed their yolk sack and have become free swimming. This high level of parental care is fascinating to watch and is also why it is usually best to leave the eggs with the father to care for rather than removing them.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Imperial Tropicals","offers":[{"title":"2-3\" Unsexed Rio Tocantins","offer_id":54034996691251,"sku":"K-11, K-13","price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0764\/6524\/2419\/files\/AncistrusdamasceniWebsite.jpg?v=1789068306","url":"https:\/\/imperialtropicals.com\/products\/ancistrus-damasceni","provider":"Imperial Tropicals","version":"1.0","type":"link"}