Honeycomb Bristlenose Ancistrus Wabenmuster 3cm

Overview

The Honeycomb Bristlenose, known in Germany as Ancistrus sp. Wabenmuster, is a bristlenose catfish with a dark body covered in a fine, pale honeycomb network that grows crisper with age. It originates from Brazil, though the exact locality is unrecorded, and tank-bred stock is now widely available. A peaceful algae-grazer, it suits community and planted tanks.

• Adult Size: Around 10–12 cm (4–5 in); males slightly larger
• Lifespan: 5–10 years

Origin

• Native to: Brazil, exact locality unknown; mostly tank-bred
• Habitat: Warm streams and rivers with wood and rock

Feeding

• Diet: Omnivorous, mainly herbivorous
• Preferred Foods: Algae wafers, courgette, cucumber, spinach, sinking pellets, occasional bloodworm
• Feeding Habits: Feed nightly after lights out; always provide driftwood to rasp; remove uneaten vegetables

Tank Mates

• Best with: Tetras, danios, rasboras, corydoras, dwarf cichlids, livebearers
• Avoid: Large aggressive cichlids, goldfish, fish that harass bottom dwellers

Aggression & Behaviour

• Temperament: Peaceful
• Territoriality: Males defend caves against other males; otherwise ignores tank mates

Experience Level

• Difficulty: Beginner
• Challenges: Needs vegetable food, bogwood, caves and clean, oxygenated water

Water Parameters

• Water Type: Freshwater, soft to moderately hard
• Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Hardness: 2–15 dGH
• Flow: Moderate
• Tank Size: Minimum 60 litres for one or a pair

Final Notes

The honeycomb pattern is subtle on juveniles and sharpens as the fish matures, so give it time. Algae alone will not sustain it, so feed vegetables and wafers regularly and include bogwood, which aids digestion. Cave spawner: the male guards eggs and fry, and pairs breed readily in mature tanks. Males develop head bristles and pectoral odontodes; females carry few. Mostly nocturnal, undemanding and a distinctive alternative to the common form.