Sunshine Bristlenose - Ancistrus temminckii

Sunshine Bristlenose (Ancistrus temminckii)

The Sunshine Bristlenose, Ancistrus temminckii, is an attractive bristlenose catfish with a compact armoured body, sucker mouth and bright yellow to golden “sunshine” colouration. Like other bristlenose plecos, it is valued for its manageable adult size, peaceful temperament and useful grazing behaviour, but it should not be treated as a fish that can live on aquarium algae alone. This species is best suited to mature community aquariums with wood, caves, vegetable-based foods, good oxygenation and clean, stable water.

Common Name:
Sunshine Bristlenose, Yellow Bristlenose, Golden Bristlenose, Bristlenose Catfish, Bushynose Catfish, Bristlenose Pleco.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Ancistrus temminckii
Trade colour form; exact captive-bred lineage may vary.

Maximum Size:
Usually around 9–10 cm standard length, with aquarium specimens often appearing slightly larger including the tail.

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Sunshine colour forms are usually captive-bred and do not occur as a natural wild population. Wild Ancistrus temminckii is recorded from South America, including the Saramacca, Suriname and Maroni River basins. Bristlenose catfish naturally live close to the bottom and graze hard surfaces such as wood, rocks and submerged structure in tropical freshwater habitats.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 21–26°C
pH Range: 6.0–7.8
Hardness or Salinity: Soft to hard freshwater; adaptable when captive-bred, but best in clean, stable, well-oxygenated water.

Temperament:
Peaceful with most community fish. Adult males can become territorial with other bristlenose or similar bottom-dwelling plecos, especially around caves and feeding areas. It is not a predator and is generally safe with peaceful fish, shrimp too large to be eaten and snails.

Diet:
Primarily herbivorous/aufwuchs-grazing with omnivorous elements. Offer algae wafers, spirulina tablets, sinking pleco foods, blanched courgette, cucumber, spinach, peas and other vegetable matter. Occasional protein foods such as frozen bloodworm, brineshrimp or specialist sinking carnivore foods can be used sparingly. Do not rely on natural tank algae alone, as most aquariums cannot provide enough food long term.

Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum of 90 litres is recommended for a single adult, with larger aquariums preferred for pairs, breeding groups or busy community setups. Provide plenty of floor space, caves, wood and feeding areas.

Behaviour & Activity:
A bottom-dwelling and surface-grazing catfish that spends much of its time attached to wood, rocks, glass, caves and plant leaves. It is often more active at dusk, after lights out or during feeding, although settled individuals may graze openly during the day. Mature males usually develop stronger bristles around the snout and may guard eggs inside caves if breeding.

Aquarium Category:
Community Fish
Suitable with peaceful community fish such as tetras, rasboras, barbs, livebearers, rainbowfish, gouramis, Corydoras-type catfish, peaceful cichlids and other non-aggressive tank mates. Avoid very aggressive cichlids, large predators that may injure it, and keeping multiple adult males together in cramped aquariums.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide driftwood or bogwood, caves, shaded retreats and smooth hard surfaces for grazing. Wood is strongly recommended for natural rasping behaviour and cover. Keep the aquarium mature and well-filtered, as bristlenose catfish produce noticeable waste. Maintain good oxygenation and regular water changes. If breeding, males may guard cave-spawned eggs, and fry need excellent water quality with constant access to fine vegetable-based foods.

Suitable for:
Beginner to intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Occasional in trade / Captive-bred colour form where relevant

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.