Common Name: Bristlenose Pleco
Scientific Name: Ancistrus cirrhosus
Size: 8 - 12 cm
Lifespan: 5-12 years
Temperament: Peaceful
Tank Level: Bottom dweller
Tank Size: Minimum 60 liters for a single Bristlenose Pleco. If you plan to keep more, increase the tank size accordingly.
Substrate: Fine gravel or sand is ideal as it allows the pleco to sift through easily and won't damage their delicate barbels.
Décor:
Filtration & Water Flow: Moderate water flow is sufficient. Plecos like clean water, so good filtration is important to maintain water quality.
Regular water changes (25-30% weekly) help maintain optimal water conditions and reduce waste buildup, important for a bottom-dweller like a pleco.
Bristlenose Plecos are omnivores, but they have a strong preference for plant-based foods.
Algae: They naturally graze on algae in the tank, but algae alone is not sufficient for their diet in captivity.
Vegetables: Supplement their diet with fresh vegetables like:
Secure the vegetables to the bottom of the tank with clips or weights to allow easy access.
Pellets & Wafers: Offer high-quality sinking pellets or algae wafers. Look for formulas designed specifically for plecos to ensure they are getting all the necessary nutrients.
Protein: Occasionally feed them frozen or live foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, or even shrimp pellets to ensure they get enough protein.
Bristlenose Plecos are peaceful fish and can be kept with a wide range of tank mates, including:
Avoid keeping them with large, aggressive fish like cichlids, which may stress or harm them.
Bristlenose Plecos are relatively easy to breed in a home aquarium.
Sexing: Males tend to have more pronounced "bristles" on their noses than females. Males also grow larger and are slightly more territorial.
Breeding Setup:
Fry Care:
Bloating: Overfeeding or a lack of plant material can cause bloating in plecos. To avoid this, keep their diet balanced and fiber-rich.
Ich (White Spot Disease): Plecos can develop ich if water quality is poor or they are stressed. Raising the tank temperature slightly and treating with appropriate medications usually resolves this.
Fin Rot: Poor water quality or aggression from tank mates can lead to fin rot. Maintain clean water and remove aggressive fish if necessary.
Nocturnal: Bristlenose Plecos are most active at night. While you may see them exploring during the day, they'll primarily hide and remain inactive.
Algae Eaters: They are excellent at keeping algae in check but shouldn’t be relied upon as the sole solution for algae control in the tank.
Territorial: Male Bristlenose Plecos can become territorial, especially during breeding. Provide plenty of hiding spots to reduce aggression.
Bristlenose Plecos are hardy, peaceful, and useful tank cleaners. They are great for both beginner and experienced aquarists, provided you give them a proper diet, plenty of hiding spots, and clean water conditions.