L034 Medusa Pleco (Ancistrus ranunculus)

A unique, oddly-shaped Loricariid, the L034 Medusa Pleco is distinguished by its flattened body and prominent fleshy tentacles surrounding the nose which gives them their common name. This pleco is found in the clear, fast-moving waters of the Xingu in Brazil where it inhabits rocky shallows. In the aquarium, they prefer clean, well-oxygenated water and ample hiding places in the form of rocks, driftwood, or caves. Although both males and females have extensive bristles on the nose, mature males are easy to distinguish as the bristles grow to a huge size. An omnivore by nature, they will readily accept veggies, sinking prepared foods like Fluval Bug Bites Pleco formula, or Repashy Gel Diet.