Temminck's bristlenose

Temminck's bristlenose is a freshwater suckermouth catfish in the family Loricariidae, native to river systems of northern South America. It has a flattened brown to greenish body mottled with lighter spots, a broad sucker mouth, and the fleshy tentacle-like bristles on the snout that are most developed in mature males. It is a peaceful, mostly nocturnal bottom-dweller that coexists well with community fish and can be kept singly or in small numbers. A tank with driftwood, caves, and hiding places is important, as the fish rasps on wood and shelters by day. It is primarily a herbivore and algae grazer that benefits from vegetables such as zucchini and algae wafers, with occasional protein foods. It is a cave-spawner: the male guards eggs laid inside a crevice or cave, and it breeds readily, making it a popular and useful algae-control species.