The Ancistrus Dolichopterus is a fascinating fish from the Amazon River Basin, especially the black waters of Rio Negro. It stands out for the flattened body, the suction cup and the typical dark coloring with clear stretching, often accompanied by intense blue reflections in the most valuable varieties.

One of the most iconic characteristics of this species is the presence, in adult males, of visant fleshy growths on the muzzle, called tentacles, which play an important role in reproductive behavior.

Although it is often sold as "cleaner fish", this approach is misleading: it is an animal with specific needs that requires adequate care, targeted power and a well-designed environment.

Ideal habitat in the aquarium

To obtain healthy and long-term specimens it is essential to recreate an environment as similar to the natural one. The Ancistrus Dolichopterus lives in tropical water courses with dark waters, rich in tannins, and seabeds covered by organic debris, roots and submerged woods.

In the aquarium this translates into a set-up of woods, tanes and shadow areas. Refuges are essential, both to reduce stress and to allow fish to express natural behavior. Water must be well oxygenated and moving, simulating the current of the Amazon rivers.

Recommended minimum volume

For a single specimen or a torque we recommend an aquarium of at least 100-120 liters. In the presence of more individuals, especially males, it is preferable to rise to 150-200 liters or more, to avoid territorial conflicts.

Filtration

Filtration must be efficient and well-sized, with a good water handling. This species is particularly sensitive to the accumulation of organic substances, so it is essential to maintain clean and stable water. High oxygenation is an essential requirement for fish health.

Bottom

The ideal substrate consists of fine sand or rounded gravel, which does not damage the belly of the fish during the movements on the bottom.

Furniture

The decor plays a central role. Numerous natural woods must be present, which in addition to providing shels are fundamental for digestion thanks to the intake of Lignina. Caves, ravines and intertwined roots complete the environment, offering territories and hiding places.

The addition of dried leaves can help simulate the conditions of black water and improve general well-being.

Lighting

Lighting should be tenuous or moderate. The Ancistrus prefers unleaded environments and benefits from the presence of floating plants that attenuate the light and create shadow areas.

Chemical water parameters

To maintain the Ancistrus Dolichopterus in optimal conditions it is important to respect water values similar to natural ones:

Temperature: between 23 and 28 ° C
ph: between 5.5 and 7.0
Gh: between 4 and 8 DGH
Conductivity: ideally between 50 and 200 μs / cm
Ammonia and nitrites: always absent
Nitrates: preferably under 25 mg / l

Stable water, well filtered and deprived of pollutants is essential to avoid health problems.

Behavior and coexistence

This species is generally quiet and compatible with many community fish, especially if they share similar needs. However, adult males can become territorial, in particular in restricted spaces or during reproduction.

He is fine with small peaceful Amazonian fish, while it is preferable to avoid cohabitation with other similar loricarides in limited sizes. The presence of multiple shelters greatly reduces any voltages.

Power

The Ancistrus Dolichopterus is an omnivorous with a strong vegetable component. In nature he feeds on algae, biofilm and small organisms, but in the aquarium he needs a varied and complete diet.

It is important to regularly administer sinking vegetable base pads, integrated with fresh vegetables such as zucchini, cucumbers, spinach and carrots. It can be useful to open animal protein in the form of frozen food.

A fundamental element of its power is the wood: scraping it, the fish takes indispensable fibers for the proper functioning of the digestive system.

Recommended plants

The presence of plants is possible, but must be managed carefully. In the event of food shortages, the Ancistrus can damage the leaves.

Robust plants are recommended as Anubias and microsorum, or the use of floating plants like Salvinia and Pistia, which also help improve water quality and to shield light.

Reproduction

Reproduction in the aquarium is possible and follows fascinating dynamics. The deposition takes place inside cavities or tane, where the female lays the eggs and the male takes care of their care.

The eggs hatch in about 4-5 days, and the fry become independent after just over a week. To stimulate reproduction it is useful to simulate the rainy season, slightly lowering the temperature and conductivity of water.

Longevity

If correctly bred, the Ancistrus Dolichopterus can live between 10 and 15 years, with documented cases that reach even 20 years. Proper nutrition and high water quality are decisive for its longevity.

Shipping kit in the purchase of shrimp and snails

Expeditions of live animals (shrimp, snails, crustaceans and other invertebrates) are carried out only Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, to guarantee optimal transport conditions and minimize the times of stock.

For each order containing live animals it is mandatory to add the shipping kit, designed to ensure maximum protection during transport. The kit includes:

• Polystyrene container with high thermal insulation
• Double protective bag with oxygenation
• Thermal warmer (included in the coldest months)

Important: Acquarioshop.it is not responsible for any delays in delivery caused by the courier, adverse weather conditions or other external events not attributable to The Ark of Zin Fabio.

Furthermore, it is not possible to predict the compatibility between the water of our breeding and that of your aquarium, since we do not know the specific chemical-physical parameters of each domestic tank. For this reason, we recommend a gradual acclimatization of at least an hour, introducing small amounts of water of the aquarium in the shipping bag every 5-10 minutes. During this process, it is recommended immerse the bag in the aquarium to allow a correct stabilization of the temperature before the final release.