Aquafy
Our company was founded by hobbyists for hobbyists in Australia. Aquafy is committed to providing only the best aquarium plants, hardscape aquascaping equipment. We are based in Sydney and deliver to Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, ACT, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania. However we cannot ship livestock like fish, shrimps and snails to WA or TAS. Our aquatic plants are harvested the same day we ship so it means you get the plants as fresh as possible. We ship from Sundays to Wednesdays, with all livestock and plants been shipped via Australia post express postage which takes 1-2 days to arrive. Our DOA guarantee ensures that the plants arrive healthy or you get your money back. Join team Aquafy today and see why thousands of aquascapers trust us with their aquascaping needs.
Let Customers Speak For Us
A few of the original leaves melted when I put them into the aquarium, but new, healthy ones soon emerged and are doing really well. The fish love them!
my fish died two days after receiving it---didnt look well when i got it-dont know if it was sick or my tank water killed it
Was very happy with the fish I received, one female had a huge load of babies a week after arriving. I was however disappointed with the delivery. Fish were left on top on my letterbox in the full sun for hours before I received notification that they had been delivered. With most Australia post parcels I receive, I am notified right up to when my parcel arrives. Something to do with postage method I believe. Although the fish were in a polystyrene box I was surprised they were alive as I estimated they were in transit for 5 days.
The balls is in a zippy bag. Fresh and green.
It is pack in a slim box to prevent getting squish . I loved them and it is beautiful.
Arrived in great condition. Looks good in the pond. Lost a fare amount in the recent storms when the pond overflowed but still some there. Will order some more when the rain stops!
Plants arrived promptly and in great condition. Just a shame the gold fish love them as well
Ordered a 5kg bag of substrate. No problems and happy with the product. I've just made a 2nd order.
Cuttings were packaged neatly and the plants grew healthy roots really quickly. Really happy.
Absolutely happy with my snails
Long journey and they were very happy when they arrived 😁🐌🐌
A+ service
The Super Red Shortfin Bristlenose Catfish (Ancistrus sp.) is a highly sought-after freshwater aquarium fish known for its vibrant red-orange coloration, compact size, and efficient algae-eating abilities. Hobbyists appreciate this unique fish not only for its striking appearance but also for its hardy nature and ease of care. This review will delve into all aspects of keeping and breeding the Super Red Shortfin Bristlenose Catfish, making it a must-read for both beginner and experienced aquarists alike.
1. Overview
The Super Red Shortfin Bristlenose Catfish is a selectively bred variant of the common Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus). It is part of the Loricariidae family, which includes various species of armored catfish. This fish is distinguished by its short fins, vibrant red coloration, and characteristic bristles on the faces of mature males.
Scientific Name: Ancistrus sp.
Common Names: Super Red Bristlenose, Red Shortfin Bristlenose Pleco
Origin: Selectively bred from wild Bristlenose Plecos
Lifespan: 5–7 years
Adult Size: 4–5 inches (10–12 cm)
Temperament: Peaceful, bottom-dwelling
Diet: Herbivorous (algae, plant-based foods)
Tank Level: Bottom dweller
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 72–80°F (22–27°C)
pH: 6.5–7.5
Hardness: 2–12 dGH
2. Appearance and Unique Features
The Super Red Shortfin Bristlenose Catfish stands out due to its:
Bright red to orange coloration, which varies in intensity depending on genetics and diet.
Short, rounded fins, unlike longfin varieties.
Bristles (tentacle-like structures) on the snouts of mature males, used for territorial display and mate attraction.
Flattened body shape with armored plating, which provides protection from predators and rough substrates.
This unique coloration makes it an excellent choice for aquarists looking for an eye-catching bottom dweller.
They are territorial toward other Bristlenose Plecos, so avoid overcrowding in smaller tanks.
6. Breeding the Super Red Shortfin Bristlenose
Breeding this species is relatively straightforward, making them a popular choice among aquarists looking to propagate their fish.
A. Mating Behavior
Males attract females by guarding a cave or hiding spot.
After courtship, the female lays 30–50 eggs in the male’s chosen cave.
The male guards and fans the eggs until they hatch in 4–7 days.
Fry remain in the cave for another few days before venturing out to feed on algae and biofilm.
B. Raising Fry
Feed young Bristlenose crushed algae wafers, blanched vegetables, and spirulina powder.
Ensure good water quality and gentle filtration.
Provide plenty of hiding spots for growing fry.
7. Common Health Issues
Super Red Shortfin Bristlenose Catfish are generally hardy, but they are susceptible to common freshwater fish diseases:
Ich (White Spot Disease): Treated with temperature increase and medication.
Fungal Infections: Often caused by poor water quality.
Bloating: Due to overfeeding protein-based foods; ensure a plant-rich diet.
Fin Rot: Prevented by maintaining clean water and avoiding aggressive tank mates.
8. Conclusion
The Super Red Shortfin Bristlenose Catfish is an excellent addition to any freshwater aquarium due to its stunning coloration, peaceful temperament, and algae-eating capabilities. Its relatively simple care requirements make it an ideal choice for beginners, while its breeding potential offers an exciting challenge for experienced aquarists.
By providing a well-structured habitat, maintaining stable water parameters, and offering a nutritious diet, aquarists can enjoy these vibrant and engaging catfish for many years. Whether you’re looking for an effective algae controller or a striking display fish, the Super Red Shortfin Bristlenose is a fantastic choice for any home aquarium.
Owning Albino Catfish has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my time as an aquarist. These little bottom-dwelling fish have added so much personality, activity, and charm to my tank that I can’t imagine an aquarium without them. If you’re considering getting Albino Corydoras, let me walk you through my experience in a detailed, 3,000-word review so you know exactly what to expect.
First Impressions: Cute, Quirky, and Active
When I first saw Albino Corydoras in the store, I was instantly drawn to their pale, almost translucent bodies and their constant movement. Unlike some other catfish species that tend to be sluggish, these guys were darting around, exploring the tank, and displaying an undeniable curiosity about their environment. Their pinkish-white hue and beady red eyes make them stand out in any aquarium, and I knew right away that I had to bring a few home.
Acclimation and Tank Setup
After purchasing six Albino Catfish (they do best in groups of at least five), I carefully acclimated them to my tank. Since these fish prefer soft, slightly acidic to neutral water, I ensured my water parameters were optimal:
Temperature: 72-78°F
pH: 6.5-7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Substrate: Fine sand (to protect their delicate barbels)
I have a heavily planted tank with plenty of driftwood, smooth rocks, and hiding spots. This setup mimics their natural environment in South America, where they thrive in slow-moving, muddy waters. They immediately took to their new home, exploring the bottom of the tank and poking around in the sand for food.
Behavior and Personality
One of the most entertaining things about Albino Corydoras is their quirky behavior. They spend most of their time at the bottom of the tank, sifting through the substrate in search of food, but every so often, they’ll dart up to the surface to take a quick gulp of air. This is completely normal and actually a fascinating adaptation that allows them to survive in oxygen-poor waters in the wild.
They are also highly social fish. Watching them move together in a group is a joy. They often “march” along the tank floor in synchrony, searching for food, and sometimes pile up together to rest. Despite their bottom-dwelling nature, they are far from boring. Their constant movement and curiosity make them highly engaging to watch.
Large, aggressive barbs – They can be fin-nippers and stress the corys.
Any fish that may outcompete them for food – While they are hardy, they aren’t the fastest eaters.
Feeding and Diet
Feeding my Albino Corydoras has been straightforward. They are omnivorous, meaning they need both plant- and animal-based foods for a balanced diet. I provide them with:
Sinking Pellets – Essential because they don’t feed at the surface.
Frozen and Live Foods – Bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia are their favorites.
Vegetable-Based Foods – Occasionally, I give them blanched zucchini or spinach.
One important thing to note is that Albino Corydoras shouldn’t be relied upon as “clean-up crew” fish. While they do help consume leftover food, they still require a proper diet of their own. I’ve seen cases where people assume these fish will survive on scraps, which can lead to malnutrition.
Health and Longevity
One of the biggest benefits of Albino Corydoras is their hardiness. With proper care, they can live up to 10 years, which is quite impressive for a small freshwater fish. However, there are a few things to be mindful of:
Barbel Erosion – If the substrate is too rough or dirty, it can damage their sensitive barbels. This is why I always recommend fine sand over gravel.
Ammonia Sensitivity – Like most bottom dwellers, they are sensitive to poor water conditions. Regular water changes are a must.
Stress from Being Alone – These fish are highly social, and keeping just one or two can lead to stress-related issues. Always keep them in groups!
I hadn’t originally planned on breeding my corys, but they surprised me! One day, I noticed the classic “T-position” breeding behavior, where the male fertilizes the eggs held by the female. Soon after, I found tiny eggs attached to the glass and plants in my tank.
Raising the fry can be a challenge, but it’s incredibly rewarding. The eggs hatched in about four days, and the fry survived best when fed microworms and crushed flakes. One key thing I learned is that a separate fry tank increases their survival rate since adult fish may eat the eggs or fry.
