{"product_id":"sunshine-bristlenose-ancistrus-temminckii","title":"Sunshine Bristlenose - Ancistrus temminckii","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSunshine Bristlenose (Ancistrus temminckii)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSunshine Bristlenose, Yellow Bristlenose, Golden Bristlenose, Bristlenose Catfish, Bushynose Catfish, Bristlenose Pleco.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name (Latin):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAncistrus temminckii\u003cbr\u003eTrade colour form; exact captive-bred lineage may vary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUsually around 9–10 cm standard length, with aquarium specimens often appearing slightly larger including the tail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFreshwater\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin \/ Natural Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSunshine 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTemperature: 21–26°C\u003cbr\u003epH Range: 6.0–7.8\u003cbr\u003eHardness or Salinity: Soft to hard freshwater; adaptable when captive-bred, but best in clean, stable, well-oxygenated water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePeaceful 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePrimarily 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Activity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAquarium Category:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eCommunity Fish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSuitable 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Requirements or Care Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProvide 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBeginner to intermediate fishkeepers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOccasional in trade \/ Captive-bred colour form where relevant\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAll 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.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aqua Group","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":46405851480237,"sku":"AG-103711","price":7.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":46405851513005,"sku":"AG-103712","price":12.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":46405851545773,"sku":"AG-103713","price":14.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0543\/0391\/6205\/files\/PitbullPlecoLDA25-Parotocinclussp..jpg?v=1782220040","url":"https:\/\/aquagroup.co.uk\/products\/sunshine-bristlenose-ancistrus-temminckii","provider":"Aqua Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}