Help on ID - Ancistrus

[benzonar]

I bought a pair of Bristlenose today, the label on the tank said Ancistrus Tamboensis.

However after having got home and looked them up at Planet Catfish I am now not sure what they are.

Wonder if anyone could help me ID them.

The female

The male

 

[Bloo]

Beautiful fish ! and great pictures.
In my opinion they are absolutely not Ancistrus Tamboensis - but I can't put my finger on it..... I'll be back

 

[benzonar]

Just noticed that the male has a very thin piece of white edging to the end of the tail, not sure if that will help with the ID

 

[Bloo]

mmm - I've really had a look around but I'm still none the wiser.
The common bristlenose does often have a white seam when younger. How big are these ?

 

[benzonar]

mmm - I've really had a look around but I'm still none the wiser.
The common bristlenose does often have a white seam when younger. How big are these ?

[snapback]886580[/snapback]​

They are both about 5".

Thought it might be Ancistrus triradiatus

pic on this link looks roughly the same.

http/www.fishprofiles.com/files/profiles/triradiatusbn.xml

Also when they lie on the sand the back becomes mottled.

 

[Bloo]

mmm yes I saw that actually but I'm not convinced. Many bristlenonses have temporary white patches or blothches when on sand or during the day or when frightened. I think it's to do with trying to blend in..... so that's not really anything to go by.

I'm hoping SirM or CFC will swing by and give their opinion.

 

[SirMinion]

*swings by*

There are over 75 different known species of bristlenose and about 80% of them still have no common or scientific name other than an L-number.
Many species cannot be told apart from just looking and can only be separated by counting dorsal rays, ventral plates and a host of other nitpicking details.

having said that, the fish in your photos look a lot like the as yet un-named L088 bristlenose characterised by the centrally placed row of tentacles and the dark colour that can be withdrawn to mottled grey at will.

Another possibility is that they are L089, considered to be a colour variant of a. tamboensis.
This is supported by the appearance of your male's tentacles which are brinches only at the tips, just like in a. tamboensis.
However when L089 withdraws the colour to look pale, it reveals a regular pattern of spotting rather than the irregular mottling of L088.