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Blind cave bristlenose (Ancistrus cryptophthalmus) — Loricariidae

Blind cave bristlenose

Ancistrus cryptophthalmus
Family: Loricariidae

The Blind cave bristlenose (Ancistrus cryptophthalmus) is a freshwater fish of the family Loricariidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Herbivore
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Brazil

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Description

The Blind cave bristlenose is a bristlenose catfish (Loricariidae) from fresh water of cave streams of inland Brazil. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a flattened, bony-plated body, an inferior sucker mouth and, in adult males, a bush of fleshy tentacles on the snout. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it clings to wood and stones and rasps algae, biofilm and wood. The male guards the eggs in a burrow. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blind cave bristlenose?

The Blind cave bristlenose has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Blind cave bristlenose live?

The Blind cave bristlenose lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. South America: Brazil

How big does the Blind cave bristlenose get?

The Blind cave bristlenose grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Blind cave bristlenose dangerous to humans?

No, the Blind cave bristlenose is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Blind cave bristlenose sourced
Scientific name
Ancistrus cryptophthalmus
Family
Loricariidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
South America: Brazil sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Algae and plant material inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Ancistrus

More from the family Loricariidae

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