Remarks:The L519 Ancistrus sp. “Rio Itenez is a rare and beautifully patterned species of bushynose pleco that was discovered very recently back in 2019. Very few species possess the same ornate black pattern they have that looks like a honeycomb across their tan or sometimes gold bodies and fins. Some have noted that females appear to be darker than males though both can darken or lighten dependent on mood. Their incredibly unique patterns have made them extremely desirable in the hobby despite their rarity.

The L519 is native to the Rio Itnez that runs through the country of Bolivia. Like almost all Ancistrus, the habitats in which they are found have water that is soft, acidic, and heavily oxygenated with plenty of botanicals. Also, like most in their genus, the L519 graze on algae and biofilm but will also occasionally feed on insect larvae and small crustaceans. They will do best if these conditions and diet are replicated within the aquarium using heavy filtration, frequent water changes, and providing foods such as algae wafers and fresh vegetables. Their appetite for algae does not diminish as they grow like in the case of common plecos making them an excellent addition to the cleanup crew in a tank. Typically, plants will not be eaten unless the pleco is starving or the plant is already dying.

Bushynose plecos do not grow very large and are mostly peaceful so they can fit in well in smaller aquariums. Typically, the only aggression shown tends to be among males fighting over spawning caves. They can be kept with shrimp if the population has been given plenty of time to grow and begin reproducing regularly as the bushynose pleco will prey on them occasionally. Overly aggressive fish, very nippy fish, and fish that can fit the bushynose pleco into their mouths should be avoided as they pose a danger to the pleco by harassing them and nipping at their bristles. The pleco itself can pose a danger in the case of fish trying to swallow them as they have spines on their fins that they will flare out if being attacked to prevent the fish from eating them. This can result in the fish choking and the loss of both it and the pleco if the pleco remains stuck in the mouth of the fish.

Mature male and female bushynose plecos can be told apart by the males having many tentacle-like bristles on their faces with them being very tiny or entirely absent in females. Females also tend to be smaller and plumper than males. Breeding bushynose plecos can be very easy so long as all their needs are attended to and spawning sites are provided. Bushynose plecos are cave spawners where males will choose a small cave where he will chase females into to spawn. Once the female has laid eggs, it will be left up to the male to guard the cave and keep the eggs clean as the female leaves. They fan the eggs with their fins to keep fresh water flowing over them to help prevent them from fungusing and ensuring they get plenty of oxygen. Once the eggs hatch, the male will keep the fry inside the cave until they have absorbed their yolk sack and have become free swimming. This high level of parental care is fascinating to watch and is also why it is usually best to leave the eggs with the father to care for rather than removing them.