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Where can I find more info on the different species of Bristlenose? (Is that right?)

I have a fantastic albino male, who is 5"+. I've also a smaller albino (female) who is only about 2.5". I'm sure its only grown an inch or so in a year. Do I need to worry about this BN growing to 5"???

I've also another two very young albino's, who were 2cm about six weeks ago, and have nearly doubled since. Do they grow quickly when very young, and then slow down as they age?

Are there different kinds of BN's? What are the differences?

Actually, there are quite a few species of "Bristlenose" catfish. The ones sold as the 'common' bristlenose has several species to its name, and there are many other types. They are all pretty much the same in care though, and most grow to a maximum of 13-14 cm (though there are a few less common species that can get to over 20 cm). I believe that males and females both grow to about the same size, so your girl may indeed reach five inches.

Bristlenose catfish tend to be slow growers, especially as they get past the fry stage. While they are young (like yours are/were), they can grow pretty quickly, though.

The albino bristlenose catfish that you have are usually varieties of the common BN. That being so, they should top out at 14 cm, though they may not reach that.

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

Actually, most albino ancistrus are NOT of the species dolichopterus (the supposed "common ancistrus" ), but of an unknown species of fish that has yet to be identified.

edit: stupid auto emoticons.

Last edited by Cup_of_Lifenoodles at 17-Dec-2004 09:47

Yeah, that's the fish I was referring to. That's what I meant by "The ones sold as the 'common' bristlenose has several species to its name..." I was talking about Ancistrus sp.

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

There are over 50 species of Ancistrus. Albinos are thought to be one of two species, but nothing is certain with this family of fish. Check out http://planetcatfish.com/core/index.php for pictures and info. BTW, I've found that females grow more slowly than males, and seem to not grow as large as males. If trying to pick out a pair as juveniles, get the largest and smallest in the bunch, and you'll increase your odds of getting a male and female.

I've also been told that there are 2 different common bristlenose species which have an albino morph. one is more of a light pinkish color while the other is more of an orangish color. the orange one (which could even be a completely separate species) if breed with another of the same species should throw all albino fry. if this orangish one is bred to a brown bristlenose however, all the fry will be brown. if you have the lighter pink one and breed it with another light pink you'll get albino and brown fry. same goes for breeding the lighter pink one to a brown bristlenose...you'll get a combination of albino and brown fry.

I was told this by Phil Benes (American Cichlid Association member and president of the Greater Cincinatti Aquarium Society). He breeds the darker, orangish one and gets all albino fry. I bought all my albinos (~14 or more) from him.

Last edited by jason_r_s at 18-Dec-2004 05:22

Interesting - I was looking at the few pictures on Planet Catfish and they seemed to be either pinky or golden yellow. All the BN's in our tanks are a rich egg yolk yellow with paler spots.

Edit: Golden yellow/orange!

x

Last edited by Malaikah at 18-Dec-2004 05:54