{"id":2248,"date":"2025-07-06T14:14:47","date_gmt":"2025-07-06T12:14:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ancistrus.at\/ancistrus-species-list\/"},"modified":"2026-01-09T17:04:17","modified_gmt":"2026-01-09T16:04:17","slug":"ancistrus-species-list","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.ancistrus.at\/en\/ancistrus-species-list\/","title":{"rendered":"Ancistrus species list \u2013 overview of antenna catfish & L numbers"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_margin=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_post_title meta=”off” featured_image=”off” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_post_title][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” width=”100%” custom_margin=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]The genus Ancistrus <\/em>comprises a large number of described species as well as undescribed forms, which are often known in aquatics by their L numbers. On this page, as many of these Bristlenose Catfish as possible are compiled into a clear Ancistrus species list. Many items include brief profiles with photos, information on origin, and tips on care in the aquarium.<\/p>\n

Using the filters, for example, you can display only scientifically described species<\/a>, exclusively undescribed forms<\/a>, or specifically the known L-Numbers<\/a>. This gives aquarists a quick introduction to the diversity of the genus, enabling them to better classify animals from the trade and find suitable literature.<\/p>\n

The information in the profiles is deliberately kept concise and is intended to provide an initial overview. Detailed descriptions, further information on biology, many additional photos, and practical experience can be found in the standard work “Bristlenose Catfishes: The Plecos of the Genus Ancistrus<\/a>“, which is referenced for each species.<\/p>\n

We have published a specific guide to breeding Ancistrus catfish here: Breeding Ancistrus Catfish (Step by Step)<\/a>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text admin_label=”H\u00e4ufige Fragen zur Artenliste” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”20px” custom_margin=”1em||0.5em||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Frequently asked questions about the species list<\/strong><\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_font_size=”18px” custom_margin=”0.5em||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

What are L-numbers?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

L-numbers were introduced to clearly identify plecos even before their scientific description. Many Ancistrus species are known by an L-number before an official species name has been assigned.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_font_size=”18px” custom_margin=”0.5em||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Why are some forms or photos missing?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Ancistrus species list is continuously updated when new information, photos, or identification findings become available. Not all forms appearing on the market can be reliably assigned to a species; in such cases, this is noted in the profiles.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Quick start:<\/strong>
What are bristlenose catfish?<\/a>
Care & feeding<\/a>
Breeding<\/a>
Sexing: male or female?<\/a><\/div>\n

[\/et_pb_text][dpdfg_filtergrid custom_query=”advanced” multiple_cpt=”ancistrus-wels,ancistrus” order=”ASC” orderby=”title” no_results=”No matches for this selection” show_author=”off” filter_taxonomies=”artenstatus” all_text=”All” ajax_filters=”on” cache_on_page=”on” overlay_icon_color=”#999999″ hover_overlay_color=”rgba(250,237,203,0.5)” show_search=”on” search_placeholder=”Search” relevanssi=”on” bg_search=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” bg_search_icon=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” bg_items=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” bg_filters=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” bg_filter_active=”#67A23F” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” dpdfg_entry_title_font=”Alegreya Sans|500|||||||” dpdfg_search_text_color=”#FAEDCB” dpdfg_filters_text_color=”#E7E7E7″ dpdfg_filters_active_text_color=”#FAEDCB” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_css_free_form=”selector .dp-dfg-filter:hover {|| background-color:#e7e7e7||}” custom_css_dp-dfg-item=”background-color:transparent;||border-color:transparent;” global_colors_info=”{}” dpdfg_filters_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” dpdfg_filters_text_color__hover=”#293133″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/dpdfg_filtergrid][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” width=”100%” custom_padding=”2vh|3vw|5vh|0vw|false|false” border_color_all=”#E7E7E7″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|1vw||1vw|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_blurb title=”Bristlenose Catfishes: The Plecos of the Genus Ancistrus” content_max_width=”100%” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h2″ header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_font_size=”28px” header_line_height=”1.3em” body_text_color=”#E7E7E7″ background_layout=”dark” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

640 pages about the armored catfish of the genus Ancistrus. With more than 140 species profiles, brilliant photos, and expert knowledge from Ingo Seidel & Andreas Tanke.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_cta title=”The New Definitive Guide to Ancistrus – get your Copy Today” button_url=”https:\/\/www.ats-aquashop.de\/Bristlenose-Catfishes-The-Plecos-of-the-Genus-Ancistrus” button_text=”Buy Ancistrus Book” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_color=”#293133″ body_text_color=”#293133″ background_color=”#E7E7E7″ background_layout=”light” link_option_url=”https:\/\/www.ats-aquashop.de\/Bristlenose-Catfishes-The-Plecos-of-the-Genus-Ancistrus” box_shadow_style=”preset6″ box_shadow_horizontal=”6px” box_shadow_vertical=”6px” box_shadow_color=”rgba(231,231,231,0.67)” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Whether you’re a breeder, retailer, or enthusiast: This book offers everything about the keeping, breeding, and species diversity of the popular armored catfishes on over 500 pages. With detailed profiles, distribution maps, and fascinating pictures, it’s a must-have for every aquarist! <\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_cta][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ancistrus.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Cover_AncistrusBuch-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Ancistrus Book Cover” url=”https:\/\/www.ats-aquashop.de\/Bristlenose-Catfishes-The-Plecos-of-the-Genus-Ancistrus” url_new_window=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” transform_rotate=”0deg|0deg|2deg” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ box_shadow_horizontal=”18px” box_shadow_vertical=”13px” box_shadow_spread=”12px” box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.5)” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The genus Ancistrus comprises a large number of described species as well as undescribed forms, which are often known in aquatics by their L numbers. On this page, as many of these Bristlenose Catfish as possible are compiled into a clear Ancistrus species list. Many items include brief profiles with photos, information on origin, and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3313,"parent":0,"menu_order":20,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2248","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ancistrus.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2248","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ancistrus.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ancistrus.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ancistrus.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ancistrus.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2248"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/www.ancistrus.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2248\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3368,"href":"https:\/\/www.ancistrus.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2248\/revisions\/3368"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ancistrus.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3313"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ancistrus.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2248"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}