Big-Eyed Ancistrus

A unique, oddly-shaped Loricariid, the Orinoco Medusa Pleco is distinguished by its flattened body and prominent fleshy tentacles surrounding the nose which gives them their common name. Very similar in appearance and habits to the more well-known L034 (Ancistrus ranunculus), which is found in the fast-moving clear waters of the Xingu in Brazil, the Orinoco Medusa Pleco is found in similar habitat type in the Orinoco basin and its tributaries in Colombia and Venezuela. In the aquarium, they prefer clean, well-oxygenated water and ample hiding places in the form of rocks, driftwood, or caves.