L144 Blue Eye Bristlenose Longfin (Ancistrus sp.) for Sale in Canada
The L144 Blue Eye Bristlenose Longfin is a beautiful specialty pleco prized for its striking appearance, elegant extended fins, compact size, and distinctive blue-eye trait. This popular Ancistrus variety is an excellent choice for freshwater aquarists and pleco collectors looking for an ornamental bottom-dwelling fish with plenty of character.
The L144 is commonly associated with the blue-eyed bristlenose line and is especially attractive in its longfin form. Its elongated dorsal and caudal fins give it a graceful appearance, while its sucker mouth and armored body retain the classic characteristics of a bristlenose pleco.
This fish is also a useful aquarium resident because it naturally grazes on algae, biofilm, and surfaces throughout the aquarium. A complete diet should still be provided.
The 2402 designation can be retained as the supplier or inventory reference for this particular listing.
Why Choose an L144 Blue Eye Bristlenose Longfin?
A Striking Specialty Bristlenose
The combination of long fins and blue eyes makes the L144 particularly appealing to collectors and planted-tank enthusiasts.
Key Features
- L-number: L144
- Scientific identification: Ancistrus sp.
- Common name: L144 Blue Eye Bristlenose
- Form: Longfin
- Striking blue eyes
- Elongated fins
- Compact adult size
- Armored body
- Sucker mouth
- Algae and biofilm grazer
- Cave-dwelling behaviour
- Generally peaceful temperament
- Excellent community aquarium fish
Exact coloration, fin development, and eye intensity can vary between individual specimens.
How Large Does an L144 Bristlenose Grow?
Compact Adult Size
L144 Bristlenose Plecos generally remain relatively small compared with many other pleco species.
Adults commonly reach approximately 4–5 inches (10–13 cm) depending on genetics, diet, and aquarium conditions.
This manageable size makes the L144 a practical choice for aquarists who want an attractive specialty pleco without the large aquarium requirements of many giant pleco species.
Aquarium Size and Setup
Recommended Aquarium
A 30-gallon aquarium or larger can be suitable for an adult L144, depending on stocking levels and available bottom territory.
A larger aquarium is recommended for multiple bristlenose plecos or a heavily stocked community.
Recommended Aquarium Features
- Mature biological filtration
- Good water circulation
- Strong oxygenation
- Aquarium-safe driftwood
- Pleco caves
- Smooth rocks
- Shaded areas
- Open bottom territory
- Surfaces for grazing
Driftwood and Caves
Aquarium-safe driftwood provides grazing surfaces and shelter, while caves give the pleco a secure place to retreat.
If keeping males together, provide several caves to reduce territorial competition.
Water Parameters
Basic L144 Blue Eye Care
- Scientific name: Ancistrus sp.
- Common name: L144 Blue Eye Bristlenose Longfin
- L-number: L144
- Adult size: Approximately 4–5 inches (10–13 cm)
- Temperature: Approximately 24–28°C (75–82°F)
- pH: Approximately 6.0–7.5
- Water hardness: Soft to moderately hard
- Care level: Easy to Moderate
- Temperament: Generally peaceful
- Diet: Primarily herbivorous/omnivorous
- Swimming level: Bottom
- Activity: Primarily nocturnal and crepuscular
Stable water quality, adequate oxygenation, and regular maintenance are essential.
What Does an L144 Bristlenose Eat?
Provide a Balanced Diet
Although L144 plecos are excellent algae and biofilm grazers, aquarium algae alone is not sufficient for long-term nutrition.
Recommended foods include:
- Spirulina wafers
- Algae wafers
- High-quality sinking pleco pellets
- Vegetable-based foods
- Blanched zucchini
- Cucumber
- Green beans
- Spinach
- Kale
- Quality gel foods
A varied diet supports healthy growth and helps maintain good condition.
Feeding Tip
Offer sinking food in the evening when the aquarium lights are dimmed. This matches the fish’s naturally active period and reduces competition with faster community fish.
Behaviour and Temperament
Peaceful and Mostly Nocturnal
The L144 Blue Eye Bristlenose is generally peaceful and well suited to compatible community aquariums.
During daylight hours, it may rest inside caves, underneath driftwood, or in shaded areas.
After the lights go down, it typically becomes more active and can be seen:
- Grazing aquarium glass
- Feeding on biofilm
- Exploring driftwood
- Searching for food
- Moving across rocks
- Exploring caves
Male bristlenose plecos may become territorial toward one another, especially when suitable caves are limited.
Compatible Tank Mates
Excellent Community Aquarium Pleco
L144 Longfin Bristlenose Plecos can live with many peaceful freshwater fish.
Potential tank mates include:
- Tetras
- Rasboras
- Corydoras
- Gouramis
- Peaceful dwarf cichlids
- Livebearers
- Small South American community fish
- Other peaceful tropical species
Avoid
- Aggressive predators
- Highly territorial fish
- Persistent fin-nippers
- Fish that constantly harass bottom dwellers
- Excessive competition for caves
Because this is a longfin variety, fin-nipping species should be avoided.
L144 Blue Eye Longfin Natural Aquarium
Create a Wood and Cave-Rich Habitat
A natural-style aquarium can beautifully showcase the L144’s extended fins and distinctive eyes.
Consider adding:
- Aquarium-safe driftwood
- Smooth river rocks
- Pleco caves
- Hardy aquatic plants
- Leaf litter
- Shaded areas
- Open swimming space
- Good water circulation
The combination of plants, wood, and dark shaded areas creates an attractive environment for this specialty bristlenose.
Breeding L144 Blue Eye Bristlenose
A Popular Cave-Spawning Pleco
Bristlenose plecos are popular among aquarists interested in breeding ornamental Ancistrus varieties.
A suitable breeding setup should include:
- Mature males and females
- Appropriately sized spawning caves
- Excellent water quality
- Strong oxygenation
- Stable temperatures
- Nutritious food
- Multiple shelters
- Minimal disturbance
Males typically select and defend a cave, making suitable spawning caves essential.
L144 Blue Eye vs. Standard Bristlenose
What Makes L144 Special?
The L144 is particularly known in the aquarium trade for its blue-eye trait and distinctive ornamental coloration.
The Longfin L144 adds elongated fins to this appearance, creating a more dramatic and elegant fish.
Compared with a standard bristlenose, the L144 Longfin is especially appealing to collectors who want an ornamental Ancistrus variety with a distinctive visual characteristic.
Why Buy L144 Blue Eye Bristlenose Longfin from Monster Aquarium Canada?
Specialty Plecos for Canadian Aquarists
Monster Aquarium Canada specializes in rare freshwater fish, bristlenose plecos, L-number plecos, unusual tropical fish, monster fish, aquarium foods, medications, and specialist aquarium supplies.
The L144 Blue Eye Bristlenose Longfin is an excellent choice for aquarists searching for a compact specialty pleco with beautiful fins and a distinctive blue-eye trait.
A Beautiful Collector and Community Fish
Its combination of blue eyes, elongated fins, compact adult size, peaceful temperament, algae-grazing behaviour, and collector appeal makes the L144 Longfin an excellent addition to a freshwater aquarium.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is an L144 Blue Eye Bristlenose?
L144 is a commonly traded bristlenose pleco associated with the blue-eye trait. It belongs to the Ancistrus group.
2. How large does an L144 Bristlenose grow?
Adults commonly reach approximately 4–5 inches (10–13 cm).
3. Is the L144 Blue Eye Bristlenose peaceful?
Yes. It is generally peaceful with compatible community fish, although males can become territorial toward one another.
4. Does L144 need driftwood?
Driftwood is highly beneficial because it provides grazing surfaces, shelter, and natural enrichment.
5. What does an L144 Bristlenose eat?
It benefits from algae and spirulina wafers, sinking pleco foods, vegetables such as zucchini and cucumber, and other nutritious foods.




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