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The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

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Common name: a bristlenosed catfish

Synonyms and Other Names: antenna armored catfish, bristlenosed catfish

Identification: The genus Ancistrus contains about 50 or more described species (Burgess 1989; Armbruster 1997). Members of this genus exhibit marked sexual dimorphism (Ferraris 1991), with males having bristles or antlers on the head. Burgess (1989) and Armbruster (1997) gave distinguishing characteristics of the genus and a key to loricariid genera; Burgess (1989) also provided key to selected species. Photographs were given in Burgess (1989) and Ferraris (1991).

Size: 15 cm (Burgess 1989).

Native Range: Tropical America. Central and South America (Armbruster 1997).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Ecology: Bristlenosed catfish, like many other loricariid catfishes, are benthic fishes that primarily consume algae and detritus (Burgess 1989).

Means of Introduction: Probable aquarium release.

Status: Established on island of Oahu, Hawaii (Devick 1991).

Impact of Introduction: Unknown. Introduced Ancistrus in Hawaiian streams may compete with native stream gobies for food and space (Sabaj and Englund 1999).

Remarks: According to Devick (1991), at least two different Ancistrus species have been found in Hawaii, but identifications to species level have not been made. Sabaj and Englund (1999) report only one species: Ancistrus cf. temminckii. Devick (1991) cited Ancistrus as a suspected major hazard to native Hawaiian species, apparently because of its abundance.

Voucher specimens: Hawaii (BPBM 38534, 38536-7; INHS 48304, 48306; UF 91911, 91913, 119865, 119927, 119995).

References: (click for full references)

Armbruster, J.W. 1997. Phylogenetic relationships of the sucker-mouth armored catfishes (Loricariidae) with particular emphasis on the Ancistrinae, Hypostominae, and Neoplecostominae. Unpublished Ph.D. dissertation, University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, IL.

Burgess, W. E. 1989. An atlas of freshwater and marine catfishes: a preliminary survey of the Siluriformes. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Publications, Inc., Neptune City, NJ.

Devick, W. S. 1988. Disturbances and fluctuations in the Wahiawa Reservoir ecosystem. Project F-14-R-12, Job 4, Study I. Division of Aquatic Resources, Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Devick, W. S. 1991. Patterns of introductions of aquatic organisms to Hawaiian freshwater habitats. Pages 189-213 in New directions in research, management and conservation of Hawaiian freshwater stream ecosystems. Proceedings of the 1990 symposium on freshwater stream biology and fisheries management, Division of Aquatic Resources, Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Ferraris, C. J., Jr. 1991. Catfish in the aquarium. Tetra Press, Morris Plains, NJ.

Sabaj, M.H. and R.A. Englund. 1999. Preliminary identification and current distributions of two suckermouth armored catfishes (Loricariidae) introduced into O'ahu streams. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 59:50-55.

Other Resources:

Author: Leo Nico, Pam Fuller, and Matt Neilson

Peer Review Date: 4/30/2013

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.