Bristlenose pleco
Ancistrus cirrhosus · Loricariidae
Also known as Bristlenose catfish, Ancistrus, BN pleco
Beginner
Stays under 15 cm, eats algae and wood, and actually fits a home aquarium.
In short: A bristlenose pleco needs at least 110 L (29 US gal), water at 22–28 °C (72–82 °F) and pH 6–7.8. It is peaceful, usually kept singly, and rated beginner to keep.
Updated
- Minimum tank
- 110 L (29 US gal)
- Temperature
- 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
- pH
- 6–7.8
- Adult size
- 13 cm (5.1 in)
- Group size
- 1+
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 110 L (29 US gal)
- Temperature
- 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
- pH
- 6–7.8
- Hardness
- 2–20 dGH
- Lifespan
- 5–12 years
- Diet
- Herbivore — algae wafers, courgette, driftwood to rasp.
- Care level
- Beginner
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Southern South America
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Biotope
- Wood-strewn river margins
- Natural conditions
- Warm, moderately soft, oxygenated water with submerged timber.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Minimum group
- 1 fish
- Swims
- Bottom
- Good tank mates
- Most community fishAngelfishRainbowfish
- Avoid
- Another male in a small tankAggressive cichlids
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Intermediate
- Sexing
- Males grow long snout bristles and stronger cheek odontodes.
- Notes
- Males guard eggs inside caves; the easiest pleco to spawn at home.
- Common ailments
- Starvation without vegetable foodBloat from protein excess
Will it fit your tank?
Sign in and AquaLog compares Bristlenose pleco against every tank you track — volume, water type, temperature and pH — then adds it to your livestock in one tap.
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