Bristlenose Catfish

About

Found in the Orinoco River system of Venezuela, Ancistrus macrophthalmus is a small, algae-grazing catfish with an interesting biological trick up its sleeve: it can breathe atmospheric air, making it unusually resilient in low-oxygen conditions. This air-breathing adaptation, whether used occasionally or as a necessity depending on circumstances, hints at the sometimes oxygen-depleted backwaters and tributaries this fish calls home in the wild. Like other members of the Ancistrus genus, it sports the characteristic bristle-like facial tentacles that give bushynose catfish their common group name, and it stays compact enough to fit comfortably in a moderately sized aquarium. At under three inches for most adults, it won't outgrow a 20-gallon setup the way many plecos do, which makes it a more practical choice for smaller tanks than a lot of its relatives. Feeding is straightforward since the bulk of its diet is plant-based matter, and providing driftwood, algae wafers, and blanched vegetables will keep it in good shape. This isn't quite a beginner fish, mostly because it appreciates clean, well-oxygenated water and specific dietary attention, but it's a rewarding and somewhat unusual catfish for a keeper with some experience under their belt.