Bristlenose With Strange 'barbs' On The Cheeks

[ZoddyZod]

Afternoon!

Was watching my BN yesterday when I noticed clusters of spikes/barbs protruding from the corners of its mouth. After a while they were retracted back inside (after some danios had 'investigated' them).

What are these? Some kind of extra defense mechanism?

The tank is currently suffering from Ich so I want to make sure this is not a sign of further illness/unhappiness.

 

[JenCliBee]

Taken from PC.....

The name Ancistrus is derived from the Greek word agkistron, meaning hook, in reference to the interopercular odontodes that are hooked.

yes it's normal and yes it would be associated with extra protection

 

[reeeedfish]

I also just notced it on my dad's bristlenose. I believe it's just t make him look more intimidating.It's perfectly normal.

 

[ZoddyZod]

Taken from PC.....

The name Ancistrus is derived from the Greek word agkistron, meaning hook, in reference to the interopercular odontodes that are hooked.

yes it's normal and yes it would be associated with extra protection

cool, not noticed it before (had him a month) so just wanted to check. Have seen them a few times now......maybe used more when the fish is mature???