Male BN Plecos

Taratron · Post by **Taratron** » 14 Mar 2005, 01:26

This is an odd question, but I've found no answers elsewhere. Why exactly do male ancistrus have the infamous bristles? I've never seen my male use them in his brawls, and I don't think the bristles would be good for aeration of eggs. So...why evolve bristles at all?

Post by **Shane** » 14 Mar 2005, 02:05

One school of thought is that the tentacles (bristles) are a form of fry mimicry. Females think the male is already guarding fry and thus is a succesful parent. I see no reason not to believe this as I have noted other Ancistrinae males "fanning" like mad in a cave with no eggs. I believe this fanning to be a form of egg mimicry.
-Shane

sirbooks · Post by **sirbooks** » 14 Mar 2005, 02:12

I've read a theory which suggests that the males use them to sense the strength and direction of water current, so that they know when their eggs need extra fanning. I can't say that I've seen proof of this theory, though it is worth at least a thought.