L144 Lemon Blue Eye Bristlenose

Description

L144 Lemon Blue Eye Bristlenose Catfish (Ancistrus sp. “L144”)

Bright, peaceful and full of character, the L144 Lemon Blue Eye Bristlenose Catfish is a striking aquarium-bred variety recognised by its warm lemon-yellow body and contrasting dark blue eyes. Combining unusual colouration with the hardy nature of a bristlenose catfish, it makes an attractive and practical addition to mature freshwater community aquariums.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Ancistrus sp. “L144”
  • Common name: L144 Lemon Blue Eye Bristlenose Catfish
  • Current size: Approximately 3–5 cm
  • Adult size: Approximately 10–13 cm
  • Tank size: 75L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
  • Temperament: Peaceful bottom-dwelling catfish
  • Social needs: Can be kept individually or in compatible groups

Is this for you?

✔️ Perfect if:

  • You want a colourful alternative to the traditional brown Bristlenose Catfish.
  • You have a mature aquarium with clean and stable water.
  • You can provide driftwood, caves and suitable sinking foods.
  • You want a generally peaceful catfish for a freshwater community aquarium.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You expect it to survive entirely on algae growing inside the aquarium.
  • Your aquarium is newly established or still cycling.
  • You keep aggressive fish that may harass slow-moving bottom dwellers.
  • Your aquarium lacks suitable caves, driftwood or feeding areas.

Why choose L144 Lemon Blue Eye Bristlenose Catfish?

The L144 Lemon Blue Eye Bristlenose offers the familiar personality and manageable adult size of a Bristlenose Catfish in a much brighter colour form. Its soft lemon-yellow body creates immediate contrast against dark substrates, green plants and natural driftwood, while its deep blue eyes distinguish it from red-eyed albino varieties.

Like other Bristlenose Catfish, it spends much of its time grazing across driftwood, rocks, aquarium glass and broad plant leaves. Although it may help consume soft algae and natural biofilm, it remains an omnivorous fish that requires regular feeding with quality sinking foods and vegetable matter.

As the fish mature, males commonly develop more prominent bristles across the snout and head. Females usually remain more lightly bristled, although appearance can vary between individuals and bloodlines.

Benefits

  • Striking lemon-yellow body colour
  • Distinctive dark blue eyes
  • Peaceful and generally community friendly
  • More manageable adult size than many larger plecos
  • Grazes on soft algae and natural biofilm
  • Suitable for planted and natural-style aquariums

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 23–27°C
  • pH: 6.5–7.5
  • Diet: Quality sinking wafers, spirulina-based foods, soft vegetables and occasional frozen or protein-rich foods
  • Water: Clean, stable and well oxygenated with gentle to moderate water movement
  • Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel is recommended
  • Setup: Driftwood, caves, shaded resting areas and open feeding space along the aquarium floor
  • Provide food after the lights begin to dim if faster tank mates consume sinking foods first.
  • Do not rely on algae alone—regular, varied feeding is essential for healthy growth and body condition.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Cardinal Tetras
  • Black Phantom Tetras
  • Peaceful Corydoras
  • Honey Gouramis
  • Small to medium peaceful Rainbowfish
NTA Insight:
The easiest way to distinguish the L144 Lemon Blue Eye from an Albino Bristlenose is by looking at the eyes. The L144 has dark blue or blue-black eyes, while albino varieties have red or pink eyes. Its yellow colour looks particularly impressive against dark driftwood and lush green plants, but excellent nutrition is still essential—this fish should never be purchased solely as an aquarium cleaner.

FAQ

Is the L144 Lemon Blue Eye the same as an Albino Bristlenose?

No. Although both varieties may have pale yellow bodies, the L144 Lemon Blue Eye has dark blue or blue-black eyes. Albino Bristlenose Catfish have red or pink eyes due to the absence of normal pigmentation.

Does the L144 Lemon Blue Eye eat algae?

It will graze on soft algae and natural biofilm, but it is not a complete aquarium-cleaning solution. It requires regular meals of sinking wafers, vegetable-based foods and occasional protein-rich foods.

Does it need driftwood?

Driftwood is strongly recommended. It provides natural grazing surfaces, shelter and areas where biofilm can develop, helping create a more secure and enriching environment.

How can I tell males and females apart?

Mature males generally develop larger and more numerous bristles across the snout and centre of the head. Females usually have fewer, shorter bristles concentrated around the edge of the snout.

Can more than one L144 Bristlenose be kept together?

Yes, provided the aquarium offers sufficient floor space, caves and feeding areas. Mature males may become territorial around preferred shelters, so multiple secure caves should be provided.

Can it live with freshwater shrimp?

It is generally compatible with adult freshwater shrimp. Very small shrimplets may occasionally be consumed opportunistically while the catfish searches for food.

Is the L144 Lemon Blue Eye suitable for beginners?

Yes. It is a hardy and manageable catfish when kept in a fully cycled aquarium with stable water quality, suitable foods, driftwood and secure hiding places.

How long does an L144 Lemon Blue Eye live?

With excellent water quality, suitable nutrition and a low-stress environment, it may live for approximately 5–8 years or longer.

L144 Lemon Blue Eye Bristlenose

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Out of stock,  

$15.00


All prices include GST
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    Description

    L144 Lemon Blue Eye Bristlenose Catfish (Ancistrus sp. “L144”)

    Bright, peaceful and full of character, the L144 Lemon Blue Eye Bristlenose Catfish is a striking aquarium-bred variety recognised by its warm lemon-yellow body and contrasting dark blue eyes. Combining unusual colouration with the hardy nature of a bristlenose catfish, it makes an attractive and practical addition to mature freshwater community aquariums.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Ancistrus sp. “L144”
    • Common name: L144 Lemon Blue Eye Bristlenose Catfish
    • Current size: Approximately 3–5 cm
    • Adult size: Approximately 10–13 cm
    • Tank size: 75L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful bottom-dwelling catfish
    • Social needs: Can be kept individually or in compatible groups

    Is this for you?

    ✔️ Perfect if:

    • You want a colourful alternative to the traditional brown Bristlenose Catfish.
    • You have a mature aquarium with clean and stable water.
    • You can provide driftwood, caves and suitable sinking foods.
    • You want a generally peaceful catfish for a freshwater community aquarium.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You expect it to survive entirely on algae growing inside the aquarium.
    • Your aquarium is newly established or still cycling.
    • You keep aggressive fish that may harass slow-moving bottom dwellers.
    • Your aquarium lacks suitable caves, driftwood or feeding areas.

    Why choose L144 Lemon Blue Eye Bristlenose Catfish?

    The L144 Lemon Blue Eye Bristlenose offers the familiar personality and manageable adult size of a Bristlenose Catfish in a much brighter colour form. Its soft lemon-yellow body creates immediate contrast against dark substrates, green plants and natural driftwood, while its deep blue eyes distinguish it from red-eyed albino varieties.

    Like other Bristlenose Catfish, it spends much of its time grazing across driftwood, rocks, aquarium glass and broad plant leaves. Although it may help consume soft algae and natural biofilm, it remains an omnivorous fish that requires regular feeding with quality sinking foods and vegetable matter.

    As the fish mature, males commonly develop more prominent bristles across the snout and head. Females usually remain more lightly bristled, although appearance can vary between individuals and bloodlines.

    Benefits

    • Striking lemon-yellow body colour
    • Distinctive dark blue eyes
    • Peaceful and generally community friendly
    • More manageable adult size than many larger plecos
    • Grazes on soft algae and natural biofilm
    • Suitable for planted and natural-style aquariums

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 23–27°C
    • pH: 6.5–7.5
    • Diet: Quality sinking wafers, spirulina-based foods, soft vegetables and occasional frozen or protein-rich foods
    • Water: Clean, stable and well oxygenated with gentle to moderate water movement
    • Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel is recommended
    • Setup: Driftwood, caves, shaded resting areas and open feeding space along the aquarium floor
    • Provide food after the lights begin to dim if faster tank mates consume sinking foods first.
    • Do not rely on algae alone—regular, varied feeding is essential for healthy growth and body condition.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Cardinal Tetras
    • Black Phantom Tetras
    • Peaceful Corydoras
    • Honey Gouramis
    • Small to medium peaceful Rainbowfish
    NTA Insight:
    The easiest way to distinguish the L144 Lemon Blue Eye from an Albino Bristlenose is by looking at the eyes. The L144 has dark blue or blue-black eyes, while albino varieties have red or pink eyes. Its yellow colour looks particularly impressive against dark driftwood and lush green plants, but excellent nutrition is still essential—this fish should never be purchased solely as an aquarium cleaner.

    FAQ

    Is the L144 Lemon Blue Eye the same as an Albino Bristlenose?

    No. Although both varieties may have pale yellow bodies, the L144 Lemon Blue Eye has dark blue or blue-black eyes. Albino Bristlenose Catfish have red or pink eyes due to the absence of normal pigmentation.

    Does the L144 Lemon Blue Eye eat algae?

    It will graze on soft algae and natural biofilm, but it is not a complete aquarium-cleaning solution. It requires regular meals of sinking wafers, vegetable-based foods and occasional protein-rich foods.

    Does it need driftwood?

    Driftwood is strongly recommended. It provides natural grazing surfaces, shelter and areas where biofilm can develop, helping create a more secure and enriching environment.

    How can I tell males and females apart?

    Mature males generally develop larger and more numerous bristles across the snout and centre of the head. Females usually have fewer, shorter bristles concentrated around the edge of the snout.

    Can more than one L144 Bristlenose be kept together?

    Yes, provided the aquarium offers sufficient floor space, caves and feeding areas. Mature males may become territorial around preferred shelters, so multiple secure caves should be provided.

    Can it live with freshwater shrimp?

    It is generally compatible with adult freshwater shrimp. Very small shrimplets may occasionally be consumed opportunistically while the catfish searches for food.

    Is the L144 Lemon Blue Eye suitable for beginners?

    Yes. It is a hardy and manageable catfish when kept in a fully cycled aquarium with stable water quality, suitable foods, driftwood and secure hiding places.

    How long does an L144 Lemon Blue Eye live?

    With excellent water quality, suitable nutrition and a low-stress environment, it may live for approximately 5–8 years or longer.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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