Our Guide To Keeping L393 Cheese Creek Bristlenose Fish

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Ancistrus sp. L393
   • Common name: L393 Cheese Creek Bristlenose
   • Family: Loricariidae
   • Origin: Rio Madre de Dios, Peru, South America
   • Adult length: Up to around 10 to 12 cm
   • Lifespan: Around 5 to 10 years
   • Diet: Omnivore with strong herbivorous feeding habits
   • Care Level: Moderate
   • Temperament: Peaceful, but adult males can be territorial with one another

2. Tank Setup:

   • L393 Cheese Creek Bristlenose Plecos do best in a mature aquarium with stable water quality and plenty of oxygen. A minimum tank size of around 76L to 100L is suitable for a single fish, though larger tanks are better for adults or groups.
   • Provide plenty of caves, bogwood, rounded stones, and shaded areas so the fish can rest and establish territories.
   • Driftwood is especially useful, as Ancistrus species often graze on surfaces and appreciate a natural, structured environment.

3. Water Parameters:

   • L393 Cheese Creek Bristlenose Plecos prefer slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH range of around 5.8 to 7.5.
   • Keep the water temperature between 23 to 28°C.
   • Soft to moderately hard water is generally suitable.

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • Good filtration is important, as plecos produce a fair amount of waste and need consistently clean, well-oxygenated water.
   • Gentle to moderate water flow is ideal, though they also benefit from strong aeration and a well-maintained aquarium.

5. Diet:

   • L393 Cheese Creek Bristlenose Plecos should be offered a varied diet based around algae wafers, spirulina foods, and quality sinking catfish pellets.
   • Supplement their diet with vegetables such as courgette, cucumber, spinach, and peas.
   • Occasional protein-rich foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp, or other frozen foods can be offered in moderation, but vegetable matter should form a large part of the diet.

6. Tank mates:

   • L393 Cheese Creek Bristlenose Plecos are generally peaceful and can be kept with a wide range of community fish including tetras, rasboras, peaceful cichlids, Corydoras, and other calm species.
   • Avoid aggressive or highly territorial fish that may harass them.
   • If keeping more than one Ancistrus, provide several caves and plenty of space, as males may become territorial towards each other.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • This fish is a mostly peaceful bottom-dweller that spends much of its time grazing on wood, rocks, glass, and decor.
   • Mature males develop the typical bristles on the snout, while females usually show far less pronounced growth.
   • L393 Cheese Creek Bristlenose Plecos are well suited to peaceful community aquariums, but like many Ancistrus they can become defensive around favoured caves or feeding spots.