Origin
Descended from wild Ancistrus species found throughout the Amazon and Paraná basins. The albino morph is fully captive-bred and does not exist in the wild.

Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Its vibrant yellow-gold body and bristly face give it a unique, ornamental look. Males grow pronounced tentacles ("bushy noses"), while females are smoother. It’s active at night and will often perch or graze during the day if secure.

Purpose
Excellent for light algae control, leftover food cleanup, and detritus grazing. Adds visual charm and texture to the tank bottom without disturbing decor or plants.

Importance
Ideal for new aquarists seeking a reliable algae eater that won’t outgrow the tank. Its calm demeanor and low bioload make it an excellent fit for most freshwater communities.

Included Resources
Provide soft substrate, driftwood, and small caves or coconut huts. Moderate filtration and basic lighting are enough. Works well in low-tech or high-tech tanks alike.

Best Use Cases
Great for community tanks, breeding setups, and aquascaped layouts. Compatible with peaceful tankmates and suitable for nano to mid-sized tanks.

Conservation Context
Entirely captive-bred; does not impact wild ecosystems. Promotes sustainable aquarium keeping by reducing demand for wild plecos.

Ideal Aquatic Species
• Tetras, rasboras, danios
• Dwarf cichlids (Apistos, rams)
• Corydoras and small loaches
• Shrimp and snails
• Gouramis, mollies, and guppies

Region (A)
• Latitude: -3.4653° S
• Longitude: -62.2159° W
(Mid-Amazon basin, Brazil — ancestral wild origin)

Region (B)
• Latitude: -24.7469° S
• Longitude: -65.4094° W
(Northern Argentina — Paraná basin region)