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L144 Lemon Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus sp. L144
📍 South America
The L144 Lemon Bristlenose Pleco is a small, peaceful algae-eating catfish prized for its bright yellow coloration and distinctive bristles on the head. This species is excellent for planted and community tanks, actively grazing on algae while remaining non-aggressive toward tankmates. They are hardy, easy to care for, and make an ideal addition for aquarists of all experience levels.
Care Guide
Diet
L144 Lemon Bristlenose Plecos are primarily herbivorous and should be fed high-quality algae wafers, spirulina tablets, and blanched vegetables such as zucchini, cucumber, and spinach 3-4 times weekly. Supplement with occasional protein sources like bloodworms or brine shrimp once weekly. Provide driftwood for natural grazing and digestion.
Behavior
These plecos are nocturnal and spend most of the day hiding in caves, driftwood, or dense vegetation, becoming more active at dusk and night. They are solitary and territorial with other plecos but peaceful toward other fish species. They produce audible clicking or squeaking sounds when stressed or communicating.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is moderately difficult and requires specific conditions including caves or PVC pipes for spawning, slightly acidic water (pH 6.0-6.5), and temperatures around 24-26°C. Males guard eggs and fry aggressively; remove the female after spawning to prevent conflict. Fry are difficult to raise and require specialized foods like infusoria and micro pellets.
Tank Mates
Small, peaceful schooling fish that occupy upper water column and do not compete for bottom space
Similar algae-eating habits but smaller; may compete for food, so ensure adequate algae and supplemental feeding
Peaceful mid-water dweller that does not interfere with bottom-dwelling plecos
Peaceful bottom dweller; may compete for food, so provide multiple feeding areas
Small, peaceful schooling fish that occupy middle water column and are non-aggressive
Live plant that provides shelter and does not require substrate rooting; plecos will not uproot it
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Increase water temperature to 28-30°C (82-86°F) for 7-10 days, perform 25% water changes every 2-3 days, use aquarium salt (1 teaspoon per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment; ensure adequate aeration
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Perform 25-30% water changes daily, improve water quality and reduce stress, use antibacterial medication if severe, ensure proper tank maintenance and avoid sharp decorations
Bacterial Infection
Open sores, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, discolored patches on body
Perform daily 25% water changes, use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication, isolate affected fish if possible, maintain optimal water parameters and reduce stressors
Parasitic Infection (Flukes)
Excessive scratching against objects, rapid gill movement, mucus coating, weight loss
Use anti-parasitic medication containing praziquantel, perform 25% water changes every 2-3 days during treatment, increase aeration, maintain stable water parameters
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore - primarily herbivorous, feeding on algae wafers, blanched vegetables, and driftwood; supplemented with occasional protein sources
- lifespan
- 5-8 years
- max size
- 9 cm (3.5 in)
- tank size
- 20 gallons minimum
- temperament
- peaceful
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0-7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 4-10 dGH
- temperature
- 72–82°F (22–28°C)