Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus sp.)

Origin: Tank Raised US
Diet: Algae grazer and omnivore, should be offered a varied diet high in vegetable matter
Adult Size: 15cm
Recommended Tank Size: 100L
Compatibility: Peaceful, but can be territorial towards other plecos

Preferred Water Parameters
pH:                        6.5 – 7.5

Temperature:         22 – 27 Deg. C
Ammonia:              0ppm
Nitrite:                    0ppm
Nitrate:                  <30ppm

We sell our plecos at between 4 - 6cm in size. Occasionally they might be slightly bigger.

The Common Bristlenose or Bushynose Pleco (Ancistrus sp.) is one of the more popular species of pleco in the aquarium hobby due to its hardiness, peaceful nature, and relatively small adult size. As with most species in the genus Ancistrus, these fish are ideal aquarium inhabitants, grazing on nuisance algae while still being safe with most live plants and peaceful towards tank mates.

Feeding: They are an omnivore species, but the bulk of their diet should always consist of vegetable matter. Canned green beans, spinach, lettuce, blanched zucchini, and cucumbers are all relished. Only give your Bushy Nose Pleco occasional treats in the form of live or frozen meaty foods. Algae wafers, spirulina-based pellets, and flakes make up a good staple diet.

Sexing: Females sometimes develop head tentacles just like the males, but the head tentacles are normally much more pronounced in the males and most females lack head tentacles altogether.

Breeding: Ancistrus is relatively easy to breed. In the wild, Bushy nose plecos tend to breed when the rainy season starts after the dry season. If your Bushy nose plecos are reluctant to spawn you can therefore try to mimic a dry season and the onset of the rainy season in the aquarium. They will usually spawn in a cave or upturned clay flower pot.

They produce yellow or orange eggs that are guarded and cared for by the male. The male will prevent fungi attacks by fanning fresh water over the eggs and should therefore never be removed from the eggs. The eggs normally darken and hatch after roughly five days. The fry stays close to the spawning site and is guarded by its father. When the yolk sac has been consumed, start feeding with blanched lettuce or canned green beans. Older fry can eat newly hatched brine shrimp and algae wafers. Ancistrus fry is sensitive to organic waste, so frequent water changes are of vital importance.