L183 Starlight Bristlenose Pleco

Ancistrus dolichopterus

Also known as L183, Starlight BN Pleco, Starlight Bristlenose

Animalia›Chordata›Siluriformes›Loricariidae

The L183 Starlight Bristlenose Pleco is a stunning nocturnal catfish featuring white spots on a dark body that resemble stars in the night sky. This peaceful algae-eater is an excellent addition to planted and community tanks, growing to a moderate size and requiring minimal special care. They are hardy, long-lived fish that spend most of their time grazing on algae and wood surfaces.

Where it's from

Native to the Amazon, Orinoco and Tocantins river basins

Brazil and Colombia

At a glance

Size: 5 in; 13 cm
Min tank: 40 gal; 151 L
Temp: 75–82°F; 24–28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
GH: 71–143 ppm; 4–8 dGH
Temperament: Peaceful
Swims: Bottom
Lifespan: 8-12 yrs

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

Care

Diet

Feed high-quality sinking pellets, algae wafers, and blanched vegetables such as zucchini and spinach 2-3 times weekly. Supplement with driftwood for natural grazing and calcium intake. They will consume algae naturally in the tank but benefit from additional vegetable matter.

Behavior

Nocturnal and reclusive, spending daylight hours hidden in caves or under decorations. They become more active during evening and night hours when they forage for food. Generally solitary but can coexist peacefully with other non-aggressive species.

Breeding

Breeding in captivity is moderately difficult and requires specific conditions including caves for spawning, stable water parameters, and patience. Males guard eggs and fry aggressively. Provide multiple hiding spots and maintain pristine water quality to encourage spawning behavior.

Tank mates

See all 5

Neon Tetra

Small, peaceful schooling fish that occupy different water zones

excellent

Otocinclus

Compatible algae-eater that shares similar peaceful temperament and feeding habits

excellent

Dwarf Gourami

Peaceful mid-water dweller that won't compete with bottom-feeding pleco

good

Corydoras Sterbai

Compatible bottom-dweller with similar peaceful nature and water parameter requirements

excellent

Harlequin Rasbora

Peaceful schooling fish that occupy middle water column without competing for resources

excellent

Fits a 40-gallon tank Beginner-friendly Peaceful

No state or federal restrictions on record.

Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.

The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: Tedesco et al. 2017 (CC0).