Bristlenose Pleco

Bristlenose Pleco

Ancistrus spp.

Also known as: Bristlenose Catfish, Bushy Nose Pleco, BN Pleco

💧 Freshwater ✌️ Peaceful 🟢 Easy 🌿 Herbivore

The best algae-eating pleco for most aquariums. Males develop distinctive bristles on the snout. Stays a manageable size.

Tank Size

20 gal
minimum (30+ preferred)

Temperature

72–82°F
22–28°C

pH Range

6–7.5
water acidity

Max Size

5"
12.7 cm

Lifespan

5–10 years
typical in captivity

Swim Level

Bottom
preferred zone

Care Notes

Needs driftwood to rasp on for digestion. Provide caves — males guard eggs in them. Much better choice than common plecos.

Feeding

Algae wafers, blanched vegetables (zucchini, cucumber), and occasional sinking pellets.

Compatible Tank Mates

Cardinal Tetra 2" Rummy Nose Tetra 2" Congo Tetra 3.5" Harlequin Rasbora 2" Zebra Danio 2" Bloodfin Tetra 2" Diamond Tetra 2.5" Scissortail Rasbora 3.5" X-Ray Tetra 1.75" Emperor Tetra 2" Penguin Tetra 2.5" Red Eye Tetra 2.5"

Use Caution With

Neon Tetra 1.5" Black Skirt Tetra 2.5" Serpae Tetra 1.75" Glowlight Tetra 1.5" Celestial Pearl Danio 1" Lemon Tetra 1.5" Black Neon Tetra 1.5" Buenos Aires Tetra 3" Green Neon Tetra 1" Flame Tetra 1.5" Silvertip Tetra 2" Red Phantom Tetra 1.5"

Incompatible With

Ember Tetra 0.8" Chili Rasbora 0.7" White Cloud Mountain Minnow 1.5" Phoenix Rasbora 0.8" Exclamation Point Rasbora 0.7" Kubotai Rasbora 0.8" Ruby Tetra 0.7" Wild-Type Ember Tetra 0.8" Oscar 14" Jack Dempsey 10" Convict Cichlid 5" Green Terror 8"

Check Compatibility

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