L183 Starlight Bushynose Pleco for Sale in Canada | Buy L183 Pleco

L183 Starlight Bushynose Pleco (Ancistrus dolichopterus) for Sale in Canada

The L183 Starlight Bushynose Pleco (Ancistrus dolichopterus) is a spectacular freshwater pleco admired for its deep dark body, contrasting white spots, and distinctive bristle-nose appearance. This highly desirable L-number pleco is an excellent choice for aquarists and collectors searching for a unique South American catfish with plenty of personality.

The L183 is closely associated with the Ancistrus group of bristlenose plecos and is especially attractive when displayed against dark aquarium décor. Its dramatic white-on-black pattern gives it a starry appearance, which is the inspiration behind the popular “Starlight” name.

Unlike many large plecos, the L183 remains relatively manageable in size, making it a particularly appealing choice for aquarists who want a collectible L-number pleco without committing to a giant species.

Monster Aquarium Canada offers the L183 Starlight Bushynose Pleco for Canadian freshwater fish keepers looking for rare plecos and specialty aquarium fish.

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Why Choose an L183 Starlight Bushynose Pleco?

A Striking L-Number Bristlenose Pleco

The L183 combines an unusual spotted pattern with the classic appearance and behaviour of a bristlenose pleco.

Key Features

• Scientific name: Ancistrus dolichopterus
• L-number: L183
• Common name: Starlight Bushynose Pleco
• Dark black or charcoal body
• Contrasting white spots
• Distinctive bristle-nose appearance
• Armored body
• Peaceful community temperament
• Excellent algae-grazing behaviour
• Highly collectible L-number pleco
• Suitable for planted and community aquariums

Individual markings and coloration can vary.

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How Large Does an L183 Starlight Bushynose Pleco Grow?

A Manageable Adult Pleco

The L183 generally reaches around 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) as an adult, depending on genetics, diet, sex, and aquarium conditions.

Its relatively manageable adult size makes it considerably easier to accommodate than many large-growing plecos.

Plan for Adult Size

Even though the L183 is compact compared with monster plecos, it still needs:

• Adequate floor space
• Caves and shelters
• Strong filtration
• Good oxygenation
• Driftwood
• Stable water conditions

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Aquarium Size and Setup

Ideal for a Specialist Community Aquarium

A 30–40 gallon aquarium or larger can work well for an adult L183, with additional space recommended when keeping multiple bottom-dwelling fish.

Recommended Aquarium Features

• Mature biological filtration
• Good water circulation
• Strong oxygenation
• Driftwood
• Smooth rocks
• Pleco caves
• Rock crevices
• Shaded areas
• Open bottom territory
• Secure aquarium décor

Provide Hiding Places

L183 plecos appreciate caves and sheltered areas where they can rest during daylight hours.

If you plan to keep multiple plecos, provide several caves to reduce competition over preferred territories.

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Water Parameters

Basic L183 Starlight Bushynose Pleco Care

• Scientific Name: Ancistrus dolichopterus
• Common Name: L183 Starlight Bushynose Pleco
• L-Number: L183
• Potential Adult Size: Approximately 4–6 inches (10–15 cm)
• Origin: South America
• Temperature: Approximately 24–28°C (75–82°F)
• pH: Approximately 6.0–7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
• Care Level: Moderate
• Temperament: Generally peaceful
• Diet: Omnivorous / algae and vegetable-oriented
• Swimming Level: Bottom
• Activity: Primarily nocturnal or crepuscular

Stable water conditions and excellent filtration are important for long-term health.

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What Does an L183 Starlight Bushynose Pleco Eat?

A Balanced Pleco Diet

Although L183 plecos may graze algae and biofilm from aquarium surfaces, they should not be expected to survive on naturally occurring algae alone.

Recommended Foods

• Algae wafers
• Spirulina wafers
• High-quality sinking pleco pellets
• Vegetable-based foods
• Blanched zucchini
• Blanched cucumber
• Green beans
• Repashy-style gel foods
• Occasional protein-rich foods

Driftwood

Providing aquarium-safe driftwood is also beneficial for many Ancistrus species and helps create a natural environment.

Remove uneaten vegetables regularly to maintain water quality.

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Behaviour and Temperament

Peaceful and Active After Dark

The L183 is generally a peaceful community fish.

During the day, it may spend time:

• Inside caves
• Beneath driftwood
• Behind rocks
• On shaded surfaces

After the aquarium lights dim, it may become much more active, exploring the aquarium and searching for food.

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Compatible Tank Mates

Excellent Community Aquarium Candidate

L183 Starlight Bushynose Plecos can work well with many peaceful tropical fish.

Potential tank mates include:

• Tetras
• Rasboras
• Gouramis
• Peaceful dwarf cichlids
• Corydoras
• Peaceful South American fish
• Other compatible community species

Avoid

• Large aggressive predators
• Highly aggressive cichlids
• Fish that constantly harass bottom dwellers
• Excessively territorial plecos
• Species with incompatible water requirements

Provide enough caves and bottom territory when keeping multiple bottom-dwelling species.

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L183 Starlight Bushynose Pleco in a Planted Aquarium

A Beautiful Contrast Against Green Plants

The L183’s dark body and bright white spotting can look spectacular in a planted aquarium.

A natural setup can include:

• Live aquatic plants
• Driftwood
• Smooth rocks
• Pleco caves
• Leaf litter
• Shaded areas
• Natural substrate
• Open swimming areas

The contrast between green plants and the L183’s star-like markings can make this pleco an excellent visual centerpiece.

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Breeding L183 Starlight Bushynose Plecos

A Fascinating Cave Spawner

Like other bristlenose plecos, L183s are associated with cave-spawning behaviour.

A breeding setup should include:

• Suitable breeding caves
• Mature males and females
• Excellent water quality
• Stable temperature
• Nutritious food
• Strong oxygenation
• Multiple hiding areas

The male typically selects and guards a suitable cave, making caves an especially important part of a breeding aquarium.

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Why Buy an L183 Starlight Bushynose Pleco from Monster Aquarium Canada?

Rare L-Number Plecos for Canadian Aquarists

Monster Aquarium Canada specializes in rare freshwater fish, L-number plecos, unusual tropical fish, monster fish, aquarium foods, medications, and specialist aquarium supplies.

A Unique Collector’s Pleco

The L183 Starlight Bushynose Pleco is an excellent choice for aquarists who want a relatively manageable pleco with an eye-catching black-and-white appearance.

Its combination of distinctive patterning, peaceful behaviour, manageable adult size, and fascinating cave-dwelling habits makes it a valuable addition to a dedicated freshwater aquarium.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is an L183 Starlight Bushynose Pleco?

The L183 is a collectible Ancistrus pleco known for its dark body covered with contrasting white spots and its distinctive bristlenose appearance.

2. How large does an L183 Pleco grow?

An L183 generally reaches approximately 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) as an adult.

3. Is the L183 Starlight Pleco peaceful?

Yes. It is generally peaceful and can work well in a properly planned community aquarium.

4. What does an L183 Starlight Pleco eat?

It benefits from algae wafers, spirulina foods, sinking pleco pellets, vegetables, gel foods, and a varied balanced diet.

5. Does an L183 need a cave?

Caves are strongly recommended. They provide shelter and are particularly important if you plan to attempt breeding.