Common Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus sp.
Origin: South America (Amazon basin)
Water Parameters
Quick Stats
- Max Size
- 15 cm
- Min Tank
- 100 L
- Lifespan
- 10-12
- Swimming Level
- bottom
- Schooling
- No
- Diet
- herbivore
- Temperament
- Peaceful with most fish; males territorial toward other Ancistrus
About
The Common Bristlenose Pleco is the most popular algae-eating pleco for home aquariums, staying at a manageable size compared to the Common Pleco. Males develop distinctive bushy branched bristles on their snout, making sexing easy. Hardy, effective at algae control, and peaceful — the ideal algae grazer for most community tanks.
Care Guide
Provide driftwood for rasping and hiding. Feed algae wafers and blanched vegetables (zucchini, cucumber) as primary diet. Hardy and adaptable. Keep one male per tank — males are territorial with each other. Nocturnal — provide cave refuges for daytime. Will breed readily in caves when conditions are good. Excellent for most community setups.
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