Tortoiseshell Antennae Catfish - LDA 16 - Ancistrus sp. - DNZ

The Ancistrus sp. "Tortoiseshell" is with absolute certainty another aquarium-bred form of the common Antennae Catfish, which has been common in freshwater aquaristics for decades.

Originally these Antennae Catfish, often still wrongly called Ancistrus dolichopterus - blue Antennae Catfish, originate from the South American Amazon system, more precisely from the Rio Negro and its tributaries. Due to the extreme distribution in domestic aquariums and its rather unrestrained reproduction under various conditions (the animals can hardly be kept from uncontrolled reproduction) the aquaristic demand for these catfishes is nowadays almost exclusively covered by offspring.

The appearance of the animals lets assume that here the albino form of the common antenna catfish "mixed" with the brown one, so the animals show a camouflage similar, varied spot pattern from brown, dark and golden-yellow to orange colored drawings. The drawings are absolutely individual and no animal resembles from the outer appearance the other. The sexes of the Tortoiseshell Ancistrus can be distinguished as with all Ancistrus quite simply, the males carry the characteristic "beard", and/or a form of branched tentacles on the front range of the head, which brought this kind the German name "antennae" catfish. The actual meaning and/or function of these tentacles, despite many years of care and the enormous distribution of the animals, is unfortunately still completely unknown today, except for a few speculations. One of the more likely theories would be that the tentacles have an importance in brood care (which is a primarily male task in these animals).

A socialization of the Tortoiseshell Ancistrus is possible with almost all, peaceful fish, which need similar water values. Especially well suited are different calm Tetra from South America, like Neon, Red of Rio or  Cherry Spotted Tetra. With the organization of the basins for the Ancistrus one should consider only the fact that the animals need compelling wood in the form of softer root kinds, as for example Bog pine, are required. The wood, or rather the cellulose contained in it, forms an important food source for the animals and should therefore not be missing in any catfish tank. Due to the preference for this kind of vegan food, it can happen that the animals sometimes feed on large-leaved plants such as Echinodorus (sword plant). Furthermore, a suitable hiding place would be important, so that the animals can retreat if necessary and find a suitable opportunity to spawn. Here are especially classic catfish tubes, Coconut shells or others Caves made of clay are recommended, all of which are readily accepted. A socialization with shrimps and snails is possible without any problems, but with crayfish some caution is required, as the animals prefer the same "living space" and could thus injure themselves in a dispute over preferred caves.

In the diet of Ancistrus sp. "Tortoiseshell", besides the already mentioned root, other plant foods are also very popular, in addition to algae cover and biofilms. This need can be covered with classic food tablets with a high vegetable content, various types of foliage and over-scalded, peeled vegetables(zucchini, pumpkin, spinach or nettle). Raw cucumber slices are also particularly well accepted. However, this vegetable diet should always be supplemented with animal-based feeding, such as Frozen food in the form of frozen artemia, mosquito larvae and others.

Our food recommendation: The NatureHolic Catfishfeed for all aquarium sucker catfish that eat growth is a balanced tablet food, which does not cloud the water and the fish like to eat. The catfish tablets also contain NatureHolic active ingredient complexes that provide sucker catfish with everything they need for a strong immune system, healthy growth and great, contrasting coloration. As a snack, supplementary food or vacation food we recommend the CatfishPlates.

Our plant recommendation: For planting, use NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.