✨ Starlight Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus dolichopterus, L182)
✨ Starlight Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus dolichopterus, L182)
Speckled • White Seam • Algae Eater
The Starlight Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus dolichopterus, L182) is a small, visually striking pleco known for its jet-black body covered with bright white speckles that shine like a starry night sky. Its fins are lined with distinct white seams, giving it a sharp, contrasting appearance that sets it apart from other Ancistrus species.
Males develop prominent facial bristles, while females remain smoother, making gender identification straightforward in aquariums. This species grows to just 10–12 cm (4–5"), making it an ideal choice for community and planted aquariums where larger plecos might be unsuitable.
Highly peaceful, hardy, and an efficient algae grazer, the Starlight Bristlenose Pleco is both beginner-friendly and popular among collectors. Its manageable size, unique beauty, and ease of breeding make it one of the most desirable bristlenose plecos in the aquarium trade.
💡 Highlights
✨ Starry Pattern – White speckles on a velvety black body
⚪ White-Edged Fins – Distinctive seam highlights
📏 Dwarf Size – Only 10–12 cm (4–5") fully grown
✅ Peaceful – Ideal for community aquariums
🐠 Hardy & Popular – Easy to breed, beginner-friendly
🧾 A Quick Look at the Starlight Bristlenose Pleco (L182)
📛 Common Name: Starlight Bristlenose Pleco, White Seam Pleco
🔬 Scientific Name: Ancistrus dolichopterus (L182)
👨👩👧 Family: Loricariidae
🌍 Origin: Brazil – Rio Negro Basin
📏 Max Size: 10 – 12 cm (4 – 5")
💧 pH Range: 5.5 – 7.0
🌡️ Temperature Range: 25 – 30°C (77 – 86°F)
🧠 Care Level: Beginner to Intermediate
💖 Temperament: Peaceful, community safe
🏠 Min Tank Size: 100 L (30+ US gallons)
📌 Tank Level: Bottom dweller
🧬 Captive Bred: ✅ Yes
🌿 Wild Caught: ❌ No
⏳ Lifespan: 5 – 8 years
🍽️ Diet: Herbivore – algae, wafers, vegetables, driftwood
🐣 Reproduction: Readily breeds in aquariums
