L519 Honeycomb Bushynose Pleco 'Rio Itenez'

Natural Range: Rio Madeira, Rio Mamoré, Rio Iténez Source: Hobbyist Bred and Raised in the USA Estimated size at shipping: 1-2.5" Adult Size: around 4-5" Sold as: Unsexed Overview: Fairly new to the hobby, this one by far one of the most beautiful bushynose plecos. The babies start off a brown color, but develop a nice honeycomb pattern with an orange tinge as they mature. Plecos from the genus Ancistrus are great algae eaters and, unlike the Common Pleco, they don't grow huge. In addition, they are hardy, and easy to maintain. Some species such as the Starlight varieties are downright beautiful. Even the plain brown Bushynose species are unique looking with their bristly faces. Setup Considerations: Although they will come out during daytime feedings, all Ancistrus plecos are nocturnal and need places to hide during the daytime. They also come from environments with quite a bit of current, so they appreciate water movement. Water movement can be provided by a simple air stone or sponge filter or something as complex as a wavemaker. Although it is not strictly necessary, these plecos appreciate some wood in the aquarium on which they can graze. Diet: Omnivore These fish are omnivores which scrape algae, biofilm, and detritus off the substrate in their natural environments. It takes them quite a bit of time to scrape off enough food to make a meal. In the aquarium, they will readily eat almost any food as long as it settles to the bottom of the tank. Algae wafers, zucchini slices, and French cut green beans rotated with feedings of sinking protein pellets can provide a good long-term diet.

Overview: Fairly new to the hobby, this one by far one of the most beautiful bushynose plecos. The babies start off a brown color, but develop a nice honeycomb pattern with an orange tinge as they mature.