Lemon Blue Eye L144

This bristlenose pleco variety is incredibly unique and colorful, and it is an excellent scavenger for most aquariums. We now even have adult specimens that can be bred in the home aquarium!

The Blue Eye Lemon Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus sp.), also known as the Blue Eye Lemon Bushy Nose Pleco, is a member of the Loricariidae family of South American suckermouth catfishes.  While many suckermouth catfish species have yet to be bred on any major scale in aquariums, the Bristlenose pleco is one of the most easily and often-bred “pleco” species in the aquarium hobby.  This fish is immediately distinguishable by its highly variable brown and tan marbled pattern, as well as the growth of many bristle-like appendages on its facial area beginning in sub-adulthood.  Both sexes grow the appendages, but the growth and length is much more pronounced in males.  Many plecos, especially those that are wild-caught but are not yet properly scientifically described and categorized, are classified by the “L system,” with the L being short for Loricariidae, the family representing South American suckermouth catfish.  It is widely believed that the “L144” classification of this fish is a misnomer and that the true L144 pleco is not bred or even seen in captivity, but might have initially been used in developing this color variety of this Ancistrus.  Regardless, it is a very unique and beautiful tank-raised fish.

• Species – Ancistrus L144
• Common Name – Lemon Blue Eye Bristlenose
• Origin – Rio Araguaya, affluent of Tocantins, Amazon system, Arunana, Goias, Brazil
• Diet – Omnivorous
• PH Range – Alkaline 6.5 – 7.5
• Temperature – Tropical 24-29°c
• Breed Type – egg layer
• MaximumSize – approximately 15cm
• Sex – Un-sexed