🧹 Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus spp.)
The Bristlenose Pleco is the most popular pleco species in the aquarium hobby, and for good reason. Unlike common plecos that can reach 2 feet, bristlenoses stay small (4-6 inches) and are excellent algae eaters. Males develop distinctive bristle-like growths on their noses, giving them their unique appearance.
📋 Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Ancistrus species |
|---|---|
| Adult Size | 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) |
| Minimum Tank | 20 gallons (75 liters) |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years |
| Origin | South America |
🌟 Common Varieties
- Common Bristlenose - Brown with lighter spots
- Albino Bristlenose - Yellow/white with red eyes
- Super Red Bristlenose - Orange-red coloration
- Longfin Bristlenose - Extended flowing fins
- Starlight Bristlenose - Black with white spots
⚠️ Important Considerations
- Need driftwood - Essential for digestion
- Not just algae eaters - Need supplemental feeding
- Nocturnal - Most active at night
- Cave spawners - Males guard eggs
🏠 Tank Requirements
- Tank Size: 20 gallons minimum
- Driftwood: Essential - they rasp wood for fiber
- Caves: Need hiding spots, especially for breeding
- Plants: Appreciate planted tanks
- Flow: Like moderate to strong oxygenated water
Water Parameters
| Temperature | 73-81°F (23-27°C) |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.5-7.5 |
| Hardness | 6-10 dGH |
| Ammonia/Nitrite | 0 ppm |
| Nitrate | <30 ppm |
🍽️ Diet & Feeding
Primarily herbivores that need more than just algae!
- Algae wafers - Staple diet
- Blanched vegetables - Zucchini, cucumber, peas (favorites)
- Driftwood - Rasp for fiber (essential)
- Spirulina wafers
- Occasional protein - Bloodworms, shrimp
Feed at night when they're most active. Remove uneaten veggies after 24 hours.
🐟 Compatibility
Good Tankmates
- Most community fish
- Tetras, Rasboras
- Corydoras
- Livebearers
- Peaceful cichlids
- Barbs
Avoid
- Aggressive large cichlids
- Other territorial plecos - May fight over caves
- Fish that compete for bottom space
♂️♀️ Sexing & Breeding
- Males: Develop prominent bristles on nose
- Females: Little to no bristles, rounder body
- Breeding: Males guard eggs in caves
- Easy to breed - Often spawn without intervention
💡 Tips for Success
- Provide driftwood - it's essential, not optional
- Don't rely on algae alone - feed vegetables
- Offer hiding caves
- Feed at night when lights are off
- Keep water clean and well-oxygenated
📚 Summary
Bristlenose Plecos are the perfect algae-eating fish for community tanks. Unlike common plecos, they stay small enough for most aquariums. Provide driftwood, vegetables, and hiding spots, and these hardworking little catfish will help keep your tank clean while living 10+ years.