Blue-Eyed Lemon Bristlenose

Blue Eye Lemon Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus sp. L144)

A vibrant and eye-catching color variant of the popular Bristlenose Pleco, known for its bright lemon-yellow body and striking blue eyes. This tank-raised strain combines the classic bristlenose body shape and peaceful temperament with bold, saturated coloration that stands out beautifully under aquarium lighting. Males develop prominent, tentacle-like bristles (odontodes) on the head and snout as they mature, adding to their distinctive appearance, while females have shorter, less pronounced bristles. This group originally hails from the Czech Republic and we have since bred thousands in our facility.

Key Features

• Maximum Size:4–5.5 inches.
• Appearance: Bright lemon-yellow body with vivid blue eyes. The “bristlenose” name comes from the soft, fleshy tentacles that develop on the heads of mature males. Longfin variants are also available in this strain. Coloration is most intense in well-maintained specimens with a varied diet.
• Fin Details: Typical for the genus, with rounded fins and strong pectoral spines.

Aquarium Care

• Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons for a small group or community setup.
• Water Parameters: Tropical freshwater; 72–80°F (22–27°C), pH 6.5–7.5, moderate hardness (KH 6–10). Excellent water quality is important. Provide driftwood for grazing, caves or hiding spots, and some plants (though they may nibble on soft-leaved varieties).
• Diet: Primarily herbivorous/omnivorous — readily accepts high-quality vegetable flakes, sinking algae wafers, and fresh vegetables (shelled peas, spinach, zucchini, cucumber). Supplemental wood grazing is beneficial for digestion and overall health. Small amounts of meaty foods can be offered occasionally.
• Behavior: Generally peaceful and suitable for mid-sized community aquariums. Males can be slightly territorial with other males but are rarely aggressive toward other fish. They may prey on very small dwarf shrimp. Best kept in groups with adequate hiding spots. Excellent algae-eaters and a great choice for planted tanks.

IUCN Status Not Applicable (selectively bred/tank-raised color variant)

Add vibrant lemon-yellow coloration, striking blue eyes, and classic bristlenose charm to your community or planted aquarium with the beautiful Blue Eye Lemon Bristlenose Pleco (L144)!