Brucite Bristlenose Pleco L237
Brucite Bristlenose Pleco (L237)
Brucite Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus sp. L237) is an uncommon bristlenose catfish cataloged under the L-number system used for Loricariidae not yet formally described — L237 was one of a group of loricariids exported from Peru and first documented in hobbyist literature in the mid-1990s. Like every Ancistrus, it grows the branching, tentacle-like odontodes on the snout that give bristlenose plecos their name, far more developed in males than in females. Its trade name comes from a pale, silvery-grey base tone reminiscent of the mineral brucite, overlaid with the mottled light spotting typical of the genus. As with many L-number Ancistrus imported in small numbers, precise wild locality and color documentation is thinner than for the common bristlenose — treat "L237" primarily as a trade/lineage identifier rather than a fully described species.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Mini Algae Wafers placed on glass and surfaces are the ideal staple — position them where the fish already grazes. Supplement with blanched zucchini or cucumber, Sera Nature Pleco Chips, and Hikari Sinking Wafers. Driftwood in the tank provides essential grazing and shelter. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms.
Native to rivers and streams of South America, with trade stock traced to Peru. Like other Ancistrus, it inhabits rocky areas with abundant algae and biofilm growth, caves and crevices for shelter, and moderate water flow. Driftwood in the aquarium is beneficial as both a supplementary food source and essential hiding structure.
Ancistrus are cave spawners — males guard and fan the eggs inside a cave or PVC tube until hatching, and continue guarding the fry for several weeks. Males can be identified by the prominent tentacle-like odontodes on the snout; females have odontodes only around the snout edge. Provide one cave per male and the fish will breed readily in a mature aquarium.
Bristlenose plecos as a group are the ideal pleco for most aquariums — staying small, genuinely effective at algae control, easy to keep, and remarkably easy to breed. The L237 brings that same easy-care reputation along with the rarer appeal of an L-number import for aquarists who like a bit of history behind their fish.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful — territorial between males |
| Typical Adult Size | 4–5 inches (10–13 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | Singly or pair — 1 cave per male |
| Ideal Temp | 72–82°F (22–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 2–15 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 0–8 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Mini Algae Wafers; blanched zucchini or cucumber placed on glass; Sera Nature Pleco Chips |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Sinking Wafers; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms |
| Origin | South America — Peru (trade import; captive/tank-raised stock) |
| Notes | L-number import (L237) — wild locality and color documentation is less standardized than for common bristlenose; pale silvery-grey base tone with mottled spotting. Standard Ancistrus care applies. |
